Microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced properties and methods of making the same

ABSTRACT

Methods of re-dispersing and de-agglomerating dewatered, partially dried and dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, into liquid compositions comprising same, by applying ultrasonic energy to such liquid compositions of dewatered, partially dried and dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose, or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. Methods for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally, inorganic particulate material, with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties, suitable for use in methods of making paper or coating paper, and to filled and coated papers made from such aqueous suspensions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods of re-dispersing and de-agglomerating dewatered, partially dried and dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose, as well as compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, into liquid compositions comprising same, by applying ultrasonic energy to such liquid compositions of dewatered, partially dried and dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose, or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. The present invention also relates to preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally, inorganic particulate material, with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties, suitable for use in methods of making paper or coating paper, and to filled and coated papers made from such aqueous suspensions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally, inorganic particulate materials, for example an alkaline earth metal carbonate (e.g., calcium carbonate) or kaolin, are used widely in a number of applications. These include the production of microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally, mineral containing compositions, which may be used as fillers in paper manufacture and/or in paper coatings. In paper and coated paper products, such fillers are typically added to replace a portion of other more expensive components of the paper and/or coated paper product. Fillers may also be added with an aim of modifying the physical, mechanical, and/or optical requirements of paper and/or coated paper products. Clearly, the greater the amount of filler that can be included, the greater potential for cost savings. However, the amount of filler added and the associated cost saving must be balanced against the physical, mechanical and optical requirements of the final paper product or coated paper product. Thus, there is a continuing need for the development of improved fillers for paper and paper coatings, which can be used at a high loading level without adversely affecting the physical, mechanical and/or optical requirements of such paper and/or coated paper products. There is also a need for the development of methods for preparing such fillers economically.

The present invention seeks to provide alternative and/or improved fillers for paper and/or coated paper products which may be incorporated in the paper and/or coated paper product at relatively high loading levels, whilst maintaining or even improving the physical, mechanical and/or optical properties of the paper and/or coated paper product. The present invention also seeks to provide an economical method for preparing such fillers. As such, the present inventors have surprisingly found that a filler comprising microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally, an inorganic particulate material, can be prepared by economical methods and can be loaded in paper products and/or coated paper products at relatively high levels, whilst maintaining or even improving the physical, mechanical and/or optical properties of the final paper product. The application of ultrasonic energy to a suspension of microfibrillated cellulose, or microfibrillated cellulose suspensions comprising at least one inorganic particulate material has surprisingly been found to efficiently produce such suspensions having improved tensile strength and/or enhanced viscosity properties.

Further, the present invention seeks to address the problem of preparing microfibrillated cellulose and microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material compositions economically on an industrial scale. Current methods of microfibrillating cellulosic material and microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material require relatively high amounts of energy, owing in part to the relatively high viscosity of the starting material and the microfibrillated-containing product, and a commercially viable process for preparing microfibrillated cellulose on an industrial scale has hitherto before proved elusive.

Additionally, the present invention seeks to address the problem of re-dispersing dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose compositions or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate matter compositions in a liquid medium, optionally in the presence of an additive other than inorganic particulate material and/or in the presence of a combination of inorganic particulate materials. The additive and/or combination of inorganic particulate materials may, for example, enhance a mechanical and/or physical property of the re-dispersed microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material composition. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising re-dispersed microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally, inorganic particulate material and the use of re-dispersed microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally, inorganic particulate material, in an article, product or composition. The solution to the problem is to apply ultrasonic energy in the re-dispersion of compositions of microfibrillated cellulose or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and at least one inorganic particulate material as herein described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for re-dispersing dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) adding a quantity of a suitable dispersing liquid (e.g.,         water) to a tank having at least one inlet and an outlet,         wherein the tank further comprises a mixer and a pump attached         to the outlet;     -   (b) adding a quantity of dewatered, partially dried or         essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose to the tank through         the at least one inlet in sufficient quantity to yield a liquid         composition of microfibrillated cellulose at a desired solids         concentration;     -   (c) mixing the dispersing liquid and the dewatered, partially         dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose in the         tank with the mixer to partially de-agglomerate and re-disperse         the microfibrillated cellulose to form a flowable slurry;     -   (d) pumping the flowable slurry with the pump to an inlet of a         flow cell, wherein the flow cell comprises one or more         sonication probe in series and at least one outlet;     -   (e) applying ultrasonic energy to the slurry of at least 200         kWh/t continuously by the sonication probe at a frequency range         of 19 to 100 kHz;     -   (f) collecting the re-dispersed suspension comprising         microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced tensile strength and/or         viscosity properties from the at least one outlet of the flow         cell in a suitable holding vessel.

According to a second aspect, the present invention, is directed to a method for re-dispersing dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) adding a quantity of a suitable dispersing liquid to a tank         having at least one inlet and an outlet, wherein the tank         further comprises a mixer and a pump attached to the outlet;     -   (b) adding a quantity of dewatered, partially dried or         essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose to the tank through         the at least one inlet in sufficient quantity to yield a liquid         composition of microfibrillated cellulose at a desired solids         concentration;     -   (c) mixing the dispersing liquid and the dewatered, partially         dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose in the         tank with the mixer to partially de-agglomerate and re-disperse         the microfibrillated cellulose to form a flowable slurry;     -   (d) pumping the flowable slurry with the pump to an inlet of a         flow cell, wherein the flow cell comprises one or more         sonication probe in series and a first outlet; and wherein a         second outlet of the flow cell is connected to a second inlet of         the tank, thereby providing for a continuous recirculation loop         providing for the continuous application of ultrasonic energy to         the slurry for a desired time period and/or total energy input         range;     -   (e) applying ultrasonic energy to the slurry of at least 200         kWh/t continuously by the sonication probe at a frequency range         of 19 to 100 kHz;     -   (f) collecting the re-dispersed suspension comprising         microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced tensile strength and/or         viscosity properties from the first outlet of the flow cell in a         suitable holding vessel.

According to a third aspect, the present invention is directed to processes of the first and second aspects, wherein the dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose composition further comprises at least one inorganic particulate material.

In an embodiment of the first, second or third aspect of the present invention the cumulative ultrasonic energy input may be from about 1,000 kWh/t to about 10,000 kWh/t or between about 1,000 kWh/t and about 2,000 kWh/t, or about 2,000 kWh/t to about 3,000 kWh/t.

In an embodiment of the first, second or third aspect of the present invention the flow cell comprises a cooling jacket for maintaining a temperature of the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose in the range of about 1° C. to about 80° C., or from about 20° C. to about 50° C., or at room temperature, or about 20° C.

In an embodiment of the first, second or third aspect of the present invention the flow cell comprises an adjustable valve at the second outlet to create back pressure of the recirculated liquid of from about 0 to about 10 bar, or from about 0 to about 4 bar, preferably about 3 bar.

In an embodiment of the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, the flow cell further comprises one or more boosters to mechanically increase or decrease the amplitude of the at least one sonication probe.

In an embodiment of the first and second aspect of the present invention, the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 0.5% to about 10%, or about 0.5% to 5% fibre solids, and in an embodiment of the third aspect, the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material is about 0.5% to about 10%, or about 0.5% to 5% fibre solids.

In an embodiment of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the ultrasonic energy is applied for about 1 to about 120 minutes, or about 1 to about 90 minutes, or about 1 to about 75 minutes, or about 1 to about 60 minutes, or about 1 to about 45 minutes or about 1 to about 30 minutes.

In an embodiment of the first and second aspect of the present invention, the microfibrillated cellulose may be pelletized, and in the third aspect, microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be pelletized.

In an embodiment of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the ultrasonic energy may be applied until a specified cumulative energy input is achieved. In additional embodiments, the cumulative energy input may be greater than 200 kWh/t, greater than 400 kWh/t, or greater than 500 kWh/t, or greater than 1,000 kWh/t, or greater than 1,500 kWh/t, or greater than 2,000 kWh/t, or greater than 2,500 kWh/t, or greater than 3,000 kWh/t, or greater than 4,000 kWh/t, or greater than 5,000 kWh/t, or greater than 6,000 kWh/t, or greater than 7,000 kWh/t, or between 200 kWh/t and 10,000 kWh/t., or about 200 kWh/t and 5,000 kWh/t, or about 200 kWh/t and 4,000 kWh/t, or about 200 kWh/t and 3,000 kWh/t, or about 200 kWh/t and 2,000 kWh/t.

In an embodiment of the second and third aspects of the present invention, the recirculation loop may comprise a high shear mixer.

In an embodiment of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the FLT index for the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose and the suspension of the microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may reach 7.5 Nm/g or more, 7.5 Nm/g or more, 8 Nm/g or more, 8.5 Nm/g or more, 9 Nm/g or more, 9.5 Nm/g or more, 10 Nm/g or more, 10.5 Nm/g or more, 11 Nm/g or more, 11.5 Nm/g or more, 12 Nm/g or more, 12.5 Nm/g or more, 13 Nm/g or more, 13.5 Nm/g or more, 14 Nm/g or more, 14.5 Nm/g or more, or 15 Nm/g or more, through the methods disclosed in the specification.

In an embodiment of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the FLT index may be improved by about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 12.5%, about 15% or about 20%, or more, compared to suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material produced without the application of ultrasonic energy treatment to the slurry or suspension.

In an embodiment of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, viscosity may be improved by about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 12.5%, about 15% or about 20%, or more, compared to suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material produced without the application of ultrasonic energy treatment to the slurry or suspension.

In embodiments of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention, the microfibrillated cellulose may be prepared from a chemical pulp, or a chemithermomechanical pulp, or a mechanical pulp, or a recycled pulp, or a paper broke pulp, or a papermill waste stream, or waste from a papermill, or combinations thereof.

In embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the inorganic particulate material may comprise alkaline earth metal carbonate or sulphate, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, dolomite, gypsum, a hydrous kandite clay such as kaolin, halloysite or ball clay, an anhydrous (calcined) kandite clay such as metakaolin or fully calcined kaolin, talc, mica, perlite or diatomaceous earth, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, calcium carbonate and/or kaolin are particularly preferred.

In embodiments of the first and second aspects of the present invention, the suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose, or with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties obtained by the method are suitable for use in a method of making paper or coating paper, paints and coatings, inks, oilfield chemicals, composites, consumer products, cosmetic products, pharmacological products and food product.

In embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention the suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties obtained by the method are suitable for use in a method of making paper or coating paper, paints and coatings, inks, oilfield chemicals, composites, consumer products, cosmetic products, pharmacological products and food product.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for re-dispersing dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) adding a quantity of a suitable dispersing liquid (e.g.,         water) to a closed tank, wherein the tank comprises an inlet and         an outlet connected to a pump comprising a first inlet and a         first outlet, and a flow cell comprising a second inlet and a         second outlet, and further comprising at least one sonication         probe, thereby forming a closed recirculation loop;     -   (b) adding a quantity of dewatered, partially dried or         essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose to the tank in         sufficient quantity to yield a liquid composition of         microfibrillated cellulose at a desired solids concentration;     -   wherein the liquid composition comprising microfibrillated         cellulose of step (b) is continuously recirculated through the         recirculation loop;     -   (c) applying ultrasonic energy of at least 200 kWh/t         intermittently or continuously by the sonication probe at a         frequency range of 20 to 100 Hz to the liquid composition of         microfibrillated cellulose,

thereby forming a re-dispersed suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with tensile strength and/or viscosity properties.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for re-dispersing dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) adding a quantity of a suitable dispersing liquid (e.g.,         water) to a closed tank, wherein the tank comprises an inlet and         an outlet connected to a pump comprising a first inlet and a         first outlet, and a flow cell comprising a second inlet and a         second outlet, and further comprising at least one sonication         probe, thereby forming a closed recirculation loop;     -   (b) adding a quantity of dewatered, partially dried or         essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic         particulate material to the tank in sufficient quantity to yield         a liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose at a desired         solids concentration;     -   wherein the liquid composition comprising microfibrillated         cellulose and inorganic particulate material of step (b) is         continuously recirculated through the recirculation loop;     -   (c) applying ultrasonic energy of at least 200 kWh/t         intermittently or continuously by the sonication probe at a         frequency range of 20 to 100 Hz to the liquid composition of         microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material,

thereby forming a re-dispersed suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with tensile strength and/or viscosity properties.

In an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the cumulative energy input may be greater than 200 kWh/t, greater than 400 kWh/t, or greater than 500 kWh/t, or greater than 1,000 kWh/t, or greater than 1,500 kWh/t, or greater than 2,000 kWh/t, or greater than 2,500 kWh/t, or greater than 3,000 kWh/t, or greater than 4,000 kWh/t, or greater than 5,000 kWh/t, or greater than 6,000 kWh/t, or greater than 7,000 kWh/t, or between 200 kWh/t and 10,000 kWh/t., or about 200 kWh/t and 5,000 kWh/t, or about 200 kWh/t and 4,000 kWh/t, or about 200 kWh/t and 3,000 kWh/t, or about 200 kWh/t and 2,000 kWh/t.

In an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the flow cell comprises a cooling jacket for maintaining a temperature of the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose in the range of about 1° C. to about 80° C., or from about 20° C. to about 50° C., or at room temperature, or about 20° C.

In an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the flow cell comprises an adjustable valve at the second outlet to create back pressure of the recirculated liquid of from about 0 to about 10 bar, or from about 0 to about 4 bar, preferably about 3 bar.

In an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the flow cell further comprises one or more boosters to mechanically increase or decrease the amplitude of the at least one sonication probe.

In an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 0.5% to about 10%, or about 0.5% to 5% fibre solids, and in an embodiment of the third aspect, the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material is about 0.5% to about 10%, or about 0.5% to 5% fibre solids.

In an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the ultrasonic energy is applied for about 1 to about 120 minutes, or about 1 to about 90 minutes, or about 1 to about 75 minutes, or about 1 to about 60 minutes, or about 1 to about 45 minutes or about 1 to about 30 minutes.

In an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the microfibrillated cellulose may be pelletized, and in the fifth aspect, microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be pelletized.

In an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the recirculation loop may comprise a high shear mixer.

In an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the FLT index for the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose and the suspension of the microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may reach 7.5 Nm/g or more, 7.5 Nm/g or more, 8 Nm/g or more, 8.5 Nm/g or more, 9 Nm/g or more, 9.5 Nm/g or more, 10 Nm/g or more, 10.5 Nm/g or more, 11 Nm/g or more, 11.5 Nm/g or more, 12 Nm/g or more, 12.5 Nm/g or more, 13 Nm/g or more, 13.5 Nm/g or more, 14 Nm/g or more, 14.5 Nm/g or more, or 15 Nm/g or more, through the methods disclosed in the specification.

In an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the FLT index may be improved about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 12.5%, about 15% or about 20%, or more, compared to suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material produced without the application of ultrasonic energy treatment to the slurry or suspension.

In an embodiment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, viscosity may be improved by about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 12.5%, about 15% or about 20%, or more, compared to suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material produced without the application of ultrasonic energy treatment to the slurry or suspension.

In embodiments of the fourth or fifth aspects of the present invention, the microfibrillated cellulose may be prepared from a chemical pulp, or a chemithermomechanical pulp, or a mechanical pulp, or a recycled pulp, or a paper broke pulp, or a papermill waste stream, or waste from a papermill, or combinations thereof.

In embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the inorganic particulate material may comprise alkaline earth metal carbonate or sulphate, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, dolomite, gypsum, a hydrous kandite clay such as kaolin, halloysite or ball clay, an anhydrous (calcined) kandite clay such as metakaolin or fully calcined kaolin, talc, mica, perlite or diatomaceous earth, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, calcium carbonate and/or kaolin are particularly preferred.

In embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties obtained by the method are suitable for use in a method of making paper or coating paper, paints and coatings, inks, oilfield chemicals, composites, consumer products, cosmetic products, pharmacological products and food product.

In embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention the suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties obtained by the method are suitable for use in a method of making paper or coating paper, paints and coatings, inks, oilfield chemicals, composites, consumer products, cosmetic products, pharmacological products and food product.

According to a sixth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose and inorganic particulate material in an aqueous environment in the presence or absence of a grinding material to produce an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose material and inorganic particulate material, and further comprising subjecting the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material to sonication to produce the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties.

According to a seventh aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in an aqueous environment in the presence of a grinding material to produce an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose material, and further comprising subjecting the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose to sonication to produce the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties.

According to an eighth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose and inorganic particulate material in an aqueous environment in the presence or absence of a grinding material to produce an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, and further comprising subjecting the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material to a dewatering step (or dehydrating or drying step) to produce a partially dried or dried (e.g., an essentially dried) composition of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, whereupon when the partially dried or essentially dried composition of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material is reconstituted (or made down) to an aqueous slurry, such aqueous slurry is re-dispersed comprising a sonication step to produce the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties.

According a ninth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in an aqueous environment in the presence or absence of a grinding material to produce an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose, and further comprising subjecting the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose to a dewatering step (or dehydrating or drying step) to produce a partially dried or dried (e.g., an essentially dried) composition of microfibrillated cellulose, whereupon when the partially dried or essentially dried composition of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material is reconstituted (or made down) to an aqueous slurry, such aqueous slurry is re-dispersed, comprising a sonication step to produce the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties.

According to a tenth aspect, the present invention is directed to an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose suitable for use as filler in paper or a paper coating obtained by a method according to the sixth or eighth aspect.

According to a eleventh aspect, the present invention is directed to an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material suitable for use as filler in paper or a paper coating according to the seventh or ninth aspect.

According to a twelfth aspect, the present invention is directed to a papermaking composition comprising the aqueous suspension of the sixth or eighth aspects.

According to a thirteenth aspect, the present invention is directed to a papermaking composition comprising the aqueous suspension of the seventh or ninth aspects.

According to a fourteenth aspect, the present invention is directed to a paper product prepared from the papermaking composition of the twelfth or thirteenth aspect.

According to a fifteenth aspect, the present invention is directed to a paper coating composition comprising the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material the sixth or eighth aspect and other optional additives.

According to a sixteenth aspect, the present invention is directed to a paper coating composition comprising the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose of the seventh or ninth aspect and other optional additives.

According to a seventeenth aspect, the present invention is directed to a paper product, for example paper board, coated with the paper coating composition comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material of the sixth or eighth aspect.

According to an eighteenth aspect, the present invention is directed to a paper product, for example paper board, coated with the paper coating composition comprising microfibrillated cellulose of the seventh or ninth aspect.

According to a nineteenth aspect, the present invention is directed to a process for making a paper product comprising: (i) obtaining or preparing a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in the form of a pulp suitable for making a paper product; (ii) preparing a papermaking composition from the pulp in step (i), the aqueous suspension according to the first or second aspects of the invention, and other optional additives; and (iii) forming a paper product from said papermaking composition.

According to a twentieth aspect, the present invention is directed to a process for making a paper product comprising: (i) obtaining or preparing a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in the form of a pulp suitable for making a paper product; (ii) preparing a papermaking composition from the pulp in step (i), the aqueous suspension according to the seventh or ninth aspects of the invention, and other optional additives; and (iii) forming a paper product from said papermaking composition.

According to a twenty-first aspect, the present invention is directed to an integrated process for making a paper product comprising: (i) obtaining or preparing a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in the form of a pulp suitable for making a paper product; (ii) microfibrillating a portion of said fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in accordance with the method of the sixth or eighth aspect of the invention to prepare an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated and inorganic particulate material; (iii) preparing a papermaking composition from the pulp in step (i), the aqueous suspension prepared in step (ii), and other optional additives; and (iv) forming a paper product from said papermaking composition.

According to a twenty-second aspect, the present invention is directed to an integrated process for making a paper product comprising: (i) obtaining or preparing a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in the form of a pulp suitable for making a paper product; (ii) microfibrillating a portion of said fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in accordance with the method of the seventh or ninth aspect of the invention to prepare an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose; (iii) preparing a papermaking composition from the pulp in step (i), the aqueous suspension prepared in step (ii), and other optional additives; and (iv) forming a paper product from said papermaking composition.

According to a twenty-third aspect, the present invention is directed to an integrated process for making a paper product comprising: (i) obtaining or preparing a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in the form of a pulp suitable for making a paper product; (ii) microfibrillating a portion of said fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in accordance with the method of the sixth or eighth aspect of the invention to prepare an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated and inorganic particulate material; (iii) preparing a papermaking composition from the pulp in step (i), the aqueous suspension prepared in step (ii), and other optional additives; and (iv) forming a paper product from said papermaking composition.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to the use of an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose according to the sixth or eighth aspect of the invention as a filler in a papermaking composition.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect, the present invention is directed to the use of an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material according to the sixth or eighth aspect of the invention in a paper coating composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a SEM micrograph of microfibrillated cellulose prepared with ground calcium carbonate (GCC) in accordance with the methods of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the effect of exposure to an ultrasonic bath on microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) viscosity.

FIG. 3 shows the effect of exposure to an ultrasonic probe on FLT index (Nm/g).

FIG. 4 shows the effect of exposure to an ultrasonic probe on microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) viscosity.

FIG. 5 shows the effect of exposure to pulsed ultrasound on microfibrillated cellulose (MFC).

FIG. 6 shows the effect of ceramic media contamination on microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) exposed to ultrasonication.

FIG. 7 shows the effect of ultrasonication on a 50% percentage of pulp (POP) pressed cake.

FIG. 8 shows the effect of high shear and ultrasonication on a mineral-free belt pressed cake.

FIG. 9 shows the effect of ultrasonication on a high solids dry milled belt pressed cake.

FIG. 10 shows the effect of ultrasonication on a high solids dry milled belt pressed cake.

FIGS. 11A, B and C show the effect of pressure level at various energy inputs of the sonication probe (sonicator) upon FLT index (a measure of tensile strength), d₅₀ particle size of the microfibrillated cellulose and average power draw in the ultrasonic re-dispersing of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, which had been previously dried and pelletized and then reconstituted,

FIGS. 12A, B, and C show the effect of temperature level at various energy inputs of the sonication probe (sonicator) upon FLT index, viscosity and average power draw of the ultrasonic treatment, respectively, in the re-dispersing of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, which had been previously dried and pelletized and then reconstituted

FIGS. 13A and B show the effect of processing with a laboratory high shear mixer to make down previously dried, pelletized and reconstituted microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material composition at different concentrations upon FLT index and viscosity, respectively, before the application of ultrasonic re-dispersing of the microfibrillated and inorganic particulate material compositions at various energy inputs of the sonication probe (sonicator).

FIGS. 14A, B and C show the effect of continuous process of grinding a liquid slurry of cellulose fibres and inorganic particulate material to produce microfibrillated cellulose that has never been dewatered or dried, followed by ultrasonic post-treatment processing of the slurry at various energy inputs and processing times of the sonication probe (sonicator), upon the FLT index, d₅₀ particle size of the microfibrillated cellulose and average power draw of the sonication probe (sonicator), respectively, on two concentrations of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurries.

FIGS. 15A, B and C show the effect of using a pulper and a refiner to re-disperse (make down) dried and pelletized microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material compositions at three different fibre solids contents, prior to treatment with a sonication probe (sonicator), upon FLT index, viscosity and d₅₀ particle size of the microfibrillated cellulose, respectively.

FIGS. 16A and B show the post-treatment effect of sonication on microfibrillated cellulose compositions without inorganic particulate material that was produced, respectively by grinding in a stirred media detritor and by grinding in a stirred media detritor followed by passage through a homogenizer, then followed by ultrasonic treatment at various energy inputs, upon the FLT index and d₅₀ particle size of the microfibrillated cellulose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Fibrous Substrate Comprising Cellulose

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be derived from any suitable source, such as wood, grasses (e.g., sugarcane, bamboo) or rags (e.g., textile waste, cotton, hemp or flax). The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be in the form of a pulp (i.e., a suspension of cellulose fibres in water), which may be prepared by any suitable chemical or mechanical treatment, or combination thereof. For example, the pulp may be a chemical pulp, or a chemithermomechanical pulp, or a mechanical pulp, or a recycled pulp, or a papermill broke, or a papermill waste stream, or waste from a papermill, or a combination thereof. The cellulose pulp may be beaten (for example in a Valley beater) and/or otherwise refined (for example, processing in a conical or plate refiner) to any predetermined freeness, reported in the art as Canadian standard freeness (CSF) in cm³. CSF means a value for the freeness or drainage rate of pulp measured by the rate that a suspension of pulp may be drained. For example, the cellulose pulp may have a Canadian standard freeness of about 10 cm³ or greater prior to being microfibrillated. The cellulose pulp may have a CSF of about 700 cm³ or less, for example, equal to or less than about 650 cm³, or equal to or less than about 600 cm³, or equal to or less than about 550 cm³, or equal to or less than about 500 cm³, or equal to or less than about 450 cm³, or equal to or less than about 400 cm³, or equal to or less than about 350 cm³, or equal to or less than about 300 cm³, or equal to or less than about 250 cm³, or equal to or less than about 200 cm³, or equal to or less than about 150 cm³, or equal to or less than about 100 cm³, or equal to or less than about 50 cm³. The cellulose pulp may then be dewatered by methods well known in the art, for example, the pulp may be filtered through a screen in order to obtain a wet sheet comprising at least about 10% solids, for example at least about 15% solids, or at least about 20% solids, or at least about 30% solids, or at least about 40% solids. The pulp may be utilized in an unrefined state, that is to say, without being beaten or dewatered, or otherwise refined.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be added to a grinding vessel or homogenizer in a dry state. For example, a dry paper broke may be added directly to the grinder vessel. The aqueous environment in the grinder vessel will then facilitate the formation of a pulp.

The Inorganic Particulate Material

The inorganic particulate material may, for example, be an alkaline earth metal carbonate or sulphate, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, dolomite, gypsum, a hydrous kandite clay such as kaolin, halloysite or ball clay, an anhydrous (calcined) kandite clay such as metakaolin or fully calcined kaolin, talc, mica, perlite or diatomaceous earth, or magnesium hydroxide, or aluminium trihydrate, or combinations thereof.

A preferred inorganic particulate material for use in the method according to the first aspect of the present invention is calcium carbonate. Hereafter, the invention may tend to be discussed in terms of calcium carbonate, and in relation to aspects where the calcium carbonate is processed and/or treated. The invention should not be construed as being limited to such embodiments.

The particulate calcium carbonate used in the present invention may be obtained from a natural source by grinding. Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) is typically obtained by crushing and then grinding a mineral source such as chalk, marble or limestone, which may be followed by a particle size classification step, in order to obtain a product having the desired degree of fineness. Other techniques such as bleaching, flotation and magnetic separation may also be used to obtain a product having the desired degree of fineness and/or colour. The particulate solid material may be ground autogeneously, i.e. by attrition between the particles of the solid material themselves, or, alternatively, in the presence of a particulate grinding medium comprising particles of a different material from the calcium carbonate to be ground. These processes may be carried out with or without the presence of a dispersant and biocides, which may be added at any stage of the process.

Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) may be used as the source of particulate calcium carbonate in the present invention, and may be produced by any of the known methods available in the art. TAPPI Monograph Series No 30, “Paper Coating Pigments”, pages 34-35 describes the three main commercial processes for preparing precipitated calcium carbonate which is suitable for use in preparing products for use in the paper industry, but may also be used in the practice of the present invention. In all three processes, a calcium carbonate feed material, such as limestone, is first calcined to produce quicklime, and the quicklime is then slaked in water to yield calcium hydroxide or milk of lime. In the first process, the milk of lime is directly carbonated with carbon dioxide gas. This process has the advantage that no by-product is formed, and it is relatively easy to control the properties and purity of the calcium carbonate product. In the second process the milk of lime is contacted with soda ash to produce, by double decomposition, a precipitate of calcium carbonate and a solution of sodium hydroxide. The sodium hydroxide may be substantially completely separated from the calcium carbonate if this process is used commercially. In the third main commercial process the milk of lime is first contacted with ammonium chloride to give a calcium chloride solution and ammonia gas. The calcium chloride solution is then contacted with soda ash to produce by double decomposition precipitated calcium carbonate and a solution of sodium chloride. The crystals can be produced in a variety of different shapes and sizes, depending on the specific reaction process that is used. The three main forms of PCC crystals are aragonite, rhombohedral and scalenohedral, all of which are suitable for use in the present invention, including mixtures thereof.

Wet grinding of calcium carbonate involves the formation of an aqueous suspension of the calcium carbonate which may then be ground, optionally in the presence of a suitable dispersing agent. Reference may be made to, for example, EP-A-614948 (the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety) for more information regarding the wet grinding of calcium carbonate.

In some circumstances, minor additions of other minerals may be included, for example, one or more of kaolin, calcined kaolin, wollastonite, bauxite, talc or mica, could also be present.

When the inorganic particulate material of the present invention is obtained from naturally occurring sources, it may be that some mineral impurities will contaminate the ground material. For example, naturally occurring calcium carbonate can be present in association with other minerals. Thus, in some embodiments, the inorganic particulate material includes an amount of impurities. In general, however, the inorganic particulate material used in the invention will contain less than about 5% by weight, preferably less than about 1% by weight, of other mineral impurities.

The inorganic particulate material used during the microfibrillating step of the method of the present invention will preferably have a particle size distribution in which at least about 10% by weight of the particles have an “equivalent spherical diameter” (e.s.d.) of less than 2 μm, for example, at least about 20% by weight, or at least about 30% by weight, or at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 50% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 70% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight, or at least about 90% by weight, or at least about 95% by weight, or about 100% of the particles have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm.

Unless otherwise stated, particle size properties referred to herein for the inorganic particulate materials are as measured in a well-known manner by sedimentation of the particulate material in a fully dispersed condition in an aqueous medium using a Sedigraph 5100 machine as supplied by Micromeritics Instruments Corporation, Norcross, Ga., USA (telephone: +1 770 662 3620; web-site: www.micromeritics.com), referred to herein as a “Micromeritics Sedigraph 5100 unit.” Such a machine provides measurements and a plot of the cumulative percentage by weight of particles having a size, referred to in the art as the “equivalent spherical diameter” (e.s.d.), less than given e.s.d. values. The mean particle size d₅₀ is the value determined in this way of the particle e.s.d. at which there are 50% by weight of the particles which have an equivalent spherical diameter less than that d₅₀ value.

Alternatively, where stated, the particle size properties referred to herein for the inorganic particulate materials are as measured by the well-known conventional method employed in the art of laser light scattering, using a Malvern Mastersizer S machine as supplied by Malvern Instruments Ltd (or by other methods which give essentially the same result). In the laser light scattering technique, the size of particles in powders, suspensions and emulsions may be measured using the diffraction of a laser beam, based on an application of Mie theory. Such a machine provides measurements and a plot of the cumulative percentage by volume of particles having a size, referred to in the art as the “equivalent spherical diameter” (e.s.d.), less than given e.s.d. values. The mean particle size d₅₀ is the value determined in this way of the particle e.s.d. at which there are 50% by volume of the particles which have an equivalent spherical diameter less than that d₅₀ value.

In another embodiment, the inorganic particulate material used during the microfibrillating step of the method of the present invention will preferably have a particle size distribution, as measured using a Malvern Mastersizer S machine, in which at least about 10% by volume of the particles have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm, for example, at least about 20% by volume, or at least about 30% by volume, or at least about 40% by volume, or at least about 50% by volume, or at least about 60% by volume, or at least about 70% by volume, or at least about 80% by volume, or at least about 90% by volume, or at least about 95% by volume, or about 100% of the particles by volume have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm.

Unless otherwise stated, particle size properties of the microfibrillated cellulose materials are as measured by the well-known conventional method employed in the art of laser light scattering, using a Malvern Mastersizer S machine as supplied by Malvern Instruments Ltd (or by other methods which give essentially the same result).

Details of the procedure used to characterize the particle size distributions of mixtures of inorganic particle material and microfibrillated cellulose using a Malvern Mastersizer S machine are provided below.

Another preferred inorganic particulate material for use in the method according to the first aspect of the present invention is kaolin clay. Hereafter, this section of the specification may tend to be discussed in terms of kaolin, and in relation to aspects where the kaolin is processed and/or treated. The invention should not be construed as being limited to such embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, kaolin is used in an unprocessed form.

Kaolin clay used in this invention may be a processed material derived from a natural source, namely raw natural kaolin clay mineral. The processed kaolin clay may typically contain at least about 50% by weight kaolinite. For example, most commercially processed kaolin clays contain greater than about 75% by weight kaolinite and may contain greater than about 90%, in some cases greater than about 95% by weight of kaolinite.

Kaolin clay used in the present invention may be prepared from the raw natural kaolin clay mineral by one or more other processes which are well known to those skilled in the art, for example by known refining or beneficiation steps.

For example, the clay mineral may be bleached with a reductive bleaching agent, such as sodium hydrosulfite. If sodium hydrosulfite is used, the bleached clay mineral may optionally be dewatered, and optionally washed and again optionally dewatered, after the sodium hydrosulfite bleaching step.

The clay mineral may be treated to remove impurities, e.g., by flocculation, flotation, or magnetic separation techniques well known in the art. Alternatively the clay mineral used in the first aspect of the invention may be untreated in the form of a solid or as an aqueous suspension.

The process for preparing the particulate kaolin clay used in the present invention may also include one or more comminution steps, e.g., grinding or milling. Light comminution of a coarse kaolin is used to give suitable delamination thereof. The comminution may be carried out by use of beads or granules of a plastic (e.g., nylon), sand or ceramic grinding or milling aid. The coarse kaolin may be refined to remove impurities and improve physical properties using well known procedures. The kaolin clay may be treated by a known particle size classification procedure, e.g., screening and centrifuging (or both), to obtain particles having a desired d₅₀ value or particle size distribution.

The Microfibrillating Process

In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing a composition for use as a filler in paper or as a paper coating, comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in the presence of an inorganic particulate material. According to particular embodiments of the present methods, the microfibrillating step is conducted in the presence of an inorganic particulate material which acts as a microfibrillating agent. By microfibrillating is meant a process in which microfibrils of cellulose are liberated or partially liberated as individual species or as smaller aggregates as compared to the fibres of the pre-microfibrillated pulp. Typical cellulose fibres (i.e., pre-microfibrillated pulp) suitable for use in papermaking include larger aggregates of hundreds or thousands of individual cellulose microfibrils. By microfibrillating the cellulose, particular characteristics and properties, including but not limited to the characteristic and properties described herein, are imparted to the microfibrillated cellulose and the compositions including the microfibrillated cellulose.

An exemplary microfibrillated cellulose prepared in accordance with the methods of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a SEM micrograph of microfibrillated cellulose (having a d₅₀ of 80 μm) prepared with GCC (60 wt % <2 μm particle size, by Sedigraph) at 5.0% pulp on total dry weight. The media (Carbolite 16/20) volume concentration (MVC) was 50%. The energy input was 2500 kWh/t expressed on fibre.

The step of microfibrillating may be carried out in any suitable apparatus, including but not limited to a refiner. In one embodiment, the microfibrillating step is conducted in a grinding vessel under wet-grinding conditions. In another embodiment, the microfibrillating step is carried out in a homogenizer. Each of these embodiments is described in greater detail below.

Wet-Grinding

The grinding is suitably performed in a conventional manner. The grinding may be an attrition grinding process in the presence of a particulate grinding medium, or may be an autogenous grinding process, i.e., one in the absence of a grinding medium. By grinding medium is meant a medium other than the inorganic particulate material which is co-ground with the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose.

The particulate grinding medium, when present, may be of a natural or a synthetic material. The grinding medium may, for example, comprise balls, beads or pellets of any hard mineral, ceramic or metallic material. Such materials may include, for example, alumina, zirconia, zirconium silicate, aluminium silicate or the mullite-rich material which is produced by calcining kaolinitic clay at a temperature in the range of from about 1300° C. to about 1800° C. For example, in some embodiments a Carbolite® grinding media is preferred. Alternatively, particles of natural sand of a suitable particle size may be used.

Generally, the type of and particle size of grinding medium to be selected for use in the invention may be dependent on the properties, such as, e.g., the particle size of, and the chemical composition of, the feed suspension of material to be ground. Preferably, the particulate grinding medium comprises particles having an average diameter in the range of from about 0.1 mm to about 6.0 mm and, more preferably, in the range of from about 0.2 mm to about 4.0 mm. The grinding medium (or media) may be present in an amount up to about 70% by volume of the charge. The grinding media may be present in amount of at least about 10% by volume of the charge, for example, at least about 20% by volume of the charge, or at least about 30% by volume of the charge, or at least about 40% by volume of the charge, or at least about 50% by volume of the charge, or at least about 60% by volume of the charge.

The grinding may be carried out in one or more stages. For example, a coarse inorganic particulate material may be ground in the grinder vessel to a predetermined particle size distribution, after which the fibrous material comprising cellulose is added and the grinding continued until the desired level of microfibrillation has been obtained. The coarse inorganic particulate material used in accordance with the first aspect of this invention initially may have a particle size distribution in which less than about 20% by weight of the particles have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm, for example, less than about 15% by weight, or less than about 10% by weight of the particles have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm. In another embodiment, the coarse inorganic particulate material used in accordance with the first aspect of this invention initially may have a particle size distribution, as measured using a Malvern Mastersizer S machine, in which less than about 20% by volume of the particles have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm, for example, less than about 15% by volume, or less than about 1% by volume of the particles have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm.

The coarse inorganic particulate material may be wet or dry ground in the absence or presence of a grinding medium. In the case of a wet grinding stage, the coarse inorganic particulate material is preferably ground in an aqueous suspension in the presence of a grinding medium. In such a suspension, the coarse inorganic particulate material may preferably be present in an amount of from about 5% to about 85% by weight of the suspension; more preferably in an amount of from about 20% to about 80% by weight of the suspension. Most preferably, the coarse inorganic particulate material may be present in an amount of about 30% to about 75% by weight of the suspension. As described above, the coarse inorganic particulate material may be ground to a particle size distribution such that at least about 10% by weight of the particles have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm, for example, at least about 20% by weight, or at least about 30% by weight, or at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 50% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 70% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight, or at least about 90% by weight, or at least about 95% by weight, or about 100% by weight of the particles, have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm, after which the cellulose pulp is added and the two components are co-ground to microfibrillate the fibres of the cellulose pulp.

In another embodiment, the coarse inorganic particulate material is ground to a particle size distribution, as measured using a Malvern Mastersizer S machine such that at least about 10% by volume of the particles have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm, for example, at least about 20% by volume, or at least about 30% by volume or at least about 40% by volume, or at least about 50% by volume, or at least about 60% by volume, or at least about 70% by volume, or at least about 80% by volume, or at least about 90% by volume, or at least about 95% by volume, or about 100% by volume of the particles, have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm, after which the cellulose pulp is added and the two components are co-ground to microfibrillate the fibres of the cellulose pulp.

In one embodiment, the mean particle size (d₅₀) of the inorganic particulate material is reduced during the co-grinding process. For example, the d₅₀ of the inorganic particulate material may be reduced by at least about 10% (as measured by a Malvern Mastersizer S machine), for example, the d₅₀ of the inorganic particulate material may be reduced by at least about 20%, or reduced by at least about 30%, or reduced by at least about 50%, or reduced by at least about 50%, or reduced by at least about 60%, or reduced by at least about 70%, or reduced by at least about 80%, or reduced by at least about 90%. For example, an inorganic particulate material having a d₅₀ of 2.5 μm prior to co-grinding and a d₅₀ of 1.5 μm post co-grinding will have been subject to a 40% reduction in particle size. In embodiments, the mean particle size of the inorganic particulate material is not significantly reduced during the co-grinding process. By “not significantly reduced” is meant that the d₅₀ of the inorganic particulate material is reduced by less than about 10%, for example, the d₅₀ of the inorganic particulate material is reduced by less than about 5%.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated in the presence of an inorganic particulate material to obtain microfibrillated cellulose having a d₅₀ ranging from about 5 to μm about 500 μm, as measured by laser light scattering. The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated in the presence of an inorganic particulate material to obtain microfibrillated cellulose having a d₅₀ of equal to or less than about 400 μm, for example equal to or less than about 300 μm, or equal to or less than about 200 μm, or equal to or less than about 150 μm, or equal to or less than about 125 μm, or equal to or less than about 100 μm, or equal to or less than about 90 μm, or equal to or less than about 80 μm, or equal to or less than about 70 μm, or equal to or less than about 60 μm, or equal to or less than about 50 μm, or equal to or less than about 40 μm, or equal to or less than about 30 μm, or equal to or less than about 20 μm, or equal to or less than about 10 μm.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated in the presence of an inorganic particulate material to obtain microfibrillated cellulose having a modal fibre particle size ranging from about 0.1-500 μm and a modal inorganic particulate material particle size ranging from 0.25-20 μm. The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated in the presence of an inorganic particulate material to obtain microfibrillated cellulose having a modal fibre particle size of at least about 0.5 μm, for example at least about 10 μm, or at least about 50 μm, or at least about 100 μm, or at least about 150 μm, or at least about 200 μm, or at least about 300 μm, or at least about 400 μm.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated in the presence of an inorganic particulate material to obtain microfibrillated cellulose having a fibre steepness equal to or greater than about 10, as measured by Malvern. Fibre steepness (i.e., the steepness of the particle size distribution of the fibres) is determined by the following formula:

Steepness=100×(d ₃₀ /d ₇₀)

The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibre steepness equal to or less than about 100. The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibre steepness equal to or less than about 75, or equal to or less than about 50, or equal to or less than about 40, or equal to or less than about 30. The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibre steepness from about 20 to about 50, or from about 25 to about 40, or from about 25 to about 35, or from about 30 to about 40.

The grinding is suitably performed in a grinding vessel, such as a tumbling mill (e.g., rod, ball and autogenous), a stirred mill (e.g., SAM or IsaMill), a tower mill, a stirred media detritor (SMD), or a grinding vessel comprising rotating parallel grinding plates between which the feed to be ground is fed.

In one embodiment, the grinding vessel is a tower mill. The tower mill may comprise a quiescent zone above one or more grinding zones. A quiescent zone is a region located towards the top of the interior of tower mill in which minimal or no grinding takes place and comprises microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. The quiescent zone is a region in which particles of the grinding medium sediment down into the one or more grinding zones of the tower mill.

The tower mill may comprise a classifier above one or more grinding zones. In an embodiment, the classifier is top mounted and located adjacent to a quiescent zone. The classifier may be a hydrocyclone.

The tower mill may comprise a screen above one or more grind zones. In an embodiment, a screen is located adjacent to a quiescent zone and/or a classifier. The screen may be sized to separate grinding media from the product aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material and to enhance grinding media sedimentation.

In an embodiment, the grinding is performed under plug flow conditions. Under plug flow conditions the flow through the tower is such that there is limited mixing of the grinding materials through the tower. This means that at different points along the length of the tower mill the viscosity of the aqueous environment will vary as the fineness of the microfibrillated cellulose increases. Thus, in effect, the grinding region in the tower mill can be considered to comprise one or more grinding zones which have a characteristic viscosity. A skilled person in the art will understand that there is no sharp boundary between adjacent grinding zones with respect to viscosity.

In an embodiment, water is added at the top of the mill proximate to the quiescent zone or the classifier or the screen above one or more grinding zones to reduce the viscosity of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material at those zones in the mill. By diluting the product microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material at this point in the mill it has been found that the prevention of grinding media carry over to the quiescent zone and/or the classifier and/or the screen is improved. Further, the limited mixing through the tower allows for processing at higher solids lower down the tower and dilute at the top with limited backflow of the dilution water back down the tower into the one or more grinding zones. Any suitable amount of water which is effective to dilute the viscosity of the product aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be added. The water may be added continuously during the grinding process, or at regular intervals, or at irregular intervals.

In another embodiment, water may be added to one or more grinding zones via one or more water injection points positioned along the length of the tower mill, or each water injection point being located at a position which corresponds to the one or more grinding zones. Advantageously, the ability to add water at various points along the tower allows for further adjustment of the grinding conditions at any or all positions along the mill.

The tower mill may comprise a vertical impeller shaft equipped with a series of impeller rotor disks throughout its length. The action of the impeller rotor disks creates a series of discrete grinding zones throughout the mill.

In another embodiment, the grinding is performed in a screened grinder, preferably a stirred media detritor. The screened grinder may comprise one or more screen(s) having a nominal aperture size of at least about 250 μm, for example, the one or more screens may have a nominal aperture size of at least about 300 μm, or at least about 350 μm, or at least about 400 μm, or at least about 450 μm, or at least about 500 μm, or at least about 550 μm, or at least about 600 μm, or at least about 650 μm, or at least about 700 μm, or at least about 750 μm, or at least about 800 μm, or at least about 850 μm, or at or least about 900 μm, or at least about 1000 μm.

The screen sizes noted immediately above are applicable to the tower mill embodiments described above.

As noted above, the grinding may be performed in the presence of a grinding medium. In an embodiment, the grinding medium is a coarse media comprising particles having an average diameter in the range of from about 1 mm to about 6 mm, for example about 2 mm, or about 3 mm, or about 4 mm, or about 5 mm.

In another embodiment, the grinding media has a specific gravity of at least about 2.5, for example, at least about 3, or at least about 3.5, or at least about 4.0, or at least about 4.5, or least about 5.0, or at least about 5.5, or at least about 6.0.

In another embodiment, the grinding media comprises particles having an average diameter in the range of from about 1 mm to about 6 mm and has a specific gravity of at least about 2.5.

In another embodiment, the grinding media comprises particles having an average diameter of about 3 mm and specific gravity of about 2.7.

As described above, the grinding medium (or media) may present in an amount up to about 70% by volume of the charge. The grinding media may be present in amount of at least about 10% by volume of the charge, for example, at least about 20% by volume of the charge, or at least about 30% by volume of the charge, or at least about 40% by volume of the charge, or at least about 50% by volume of the charge, or at least about 60% by volume of the charge. In one embodiment, the grinding medium is present in amount of about 50% by volume of the charge.

By “charge’ is meant the composition which is the feed fed to the grinder vessel. The charge includes water, grinding media, and fibrous substrate comprising cellulose and inorganic particulate material, and any other optional additives as described herein.

The use of a relatively coarse and/or dense media has the advantage of improved (i.e., faster) sediment rates and reduced media carry over through the quiescent zone and/or classifier and/or screen(s).

A further advantage in using relatively coarse grinding media is that the mean particle size (d₅₀) of the inorganic particulate material may not be significantly reduced during the grinding process such that the energy imparted to the grinding system is primarily expended in microfibrillating the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose.

A further advantage in using relatively coarse screens is that a relatively coarse or dense grinding media can be used in the microfibrillating step. In addition, the use of relatively coarse screens (i.e., having a nominal aperture of least about 250 μm) allows a relatively high solids product to be processed and removed from the grinder, which allows a relatively high solids feed (comprising fibrous substrate comprising cellulose and inorganic particulate material) to be processed in an economically viable process. As discussed below, it has been found that a feed having a high initial solids content is desirable in terms of energy sufficiency. Further, it has also been found that product produced (at a given energy) at lower solids has a coarser particle size distribution.

As discussed in the ‘Background’ section above, the present invention seeks to address the problem of preparing microfibrillated cellulose economically on an industrial scale.

Thus, in accordance with one embodiment, the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose and inorganic particulate material are present in the aqueous environment at an initial solids content of at least about 4 wt. %, of which at least about 2% by weight is fibrous substrate comprising cellulose. The initial solids content may be at least about 10 wt. %, or at least about 20 wt. %, or at least about 30 wt. %, or at least about at least 40 wt. %. At least about 5% by weight of the initial solids content may be fibrous substrate comprising cellulose, for example, at least about 10%, or at least about 15%, or at least about 20% by weight of the initial solids content may be fibrous substrate comprising cellulose.

In another embodiment, the grinding is performed in a cascade of grinding vessels, one or more of which may comprise one or more grinding zones. For example, the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose and the inorganic particulate material may be ground in a cascade of two or more grinding vessels, for example, a cascade of three or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of four or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of five or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of six or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of seven or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of eight or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of nine or more grinding vessels in series, or a cascade comprising up to ten grinding vessels. The cascade of grinding vessels may be operatively linked in series or parallel or a combination of series and parallel. The output from and/or the input to one or more of the grinding vessels in the cascade may be subjected to one or more screening steps and/or one or more classification steps.

The total energy expended in a microfibrillation process may be apportioned equally across each of the grinding vessels in the cascade. Alternatively, the energy input may vary between some or all of the grinding vessels in the cascade.

A person skilled in the art will understand that the energy expended per vessel may vary between vessels in the cascade depending on the amount of fibrous substrate being microfibrillated in each vessel, and optionally the speed of grind in each vessel, the duration of grind in each vessel, the type of grinding media in each vessel and the type and amount of inorganic particulate material. The grinding conditions may be varied in each vessel in the cascade in order to control the particle size distribution of both the microfibrillated cellulose and the inorganic particulate material. For example, the grinding media size may be varied between successive vessels in the cascade in order to reduce grinding of the inorganic particulate material and to target grinding of the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose.

In an embodiment the grinding is performed in a closed circuit. In another embodiment, the grinding is performed in an open circuit. The grinding may be performed in batch mode. The grinding may be performed in a re-circulating batch mode.

As described above, the grinding circuit may include a pre-grinding step in which coarse inorganic particulate ground in a grinder vessel to a predetermined particle size distribution, after which fibrous material comprising cellulose is combined with the pre-ground inorganic particulate material and the grinding continued in the same or different grinding vessel until the desired level of microfibrillation has been obtained.

As the suspension of material to be ground may be of a relatively high viscosity, a suitable dispersing agent may preferably be added to the suspension prior to grinding. The dispersing agent may be, for example, a water soluble condensed phosphate, polysilicic acid or a salt thereof, or a polyelectrolyte, for example a water soluble salt of a poly(acrylic acid) or of a poly(methacrylic acid) having a number average molecular weight not greater than 80,000. The amount of the dispersing agent used would generally be in the range of from 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, based on the weight of the dry inorganic particulate solid material. The suspension may suitably be ground at a temperature in the range of from 4° C. to 100° C.

Other additives which may be included during the microfibrillation step include: carboxymethyl cellulose, amphoteric carboxymethyl cellulose, oxidising agents, 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO), TEMPO derivatives, and wood degrading enzymes.

The pH of the suspension of material to be ground may be about 7 or greater than about 7 (i.e., basic), for example, the pH of the suspension may be about 8, or about 9, or about 10, or about 11. The pH of the suspension of material to be ground may be less than about 7 (i.e., acidic), for example, the pH of the suspension may be about 6, or about 5, or about 4, or about 3. The pH of the suspension of material to be ground may be adjusted by addition of an appropriate amount of acid or base. Suitable bases included alkali metal hydroxides, such as, for example NaOH. Other suitable bases are sodium carbonate and ammonia. Suitable acids included inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric and sulphuric acid, or organic acids. An exemplary acid is orthophosphoric acid.

The amount of inorganic particulate material and cellulose pulp in the mixture to be co-ground may vary in a ratio of from about 99.5:0.5 to about 0.5:99.5, based on the dry weight of inorganic particulate material and the amount of dry fibre in the pulp, for example, a ratio of from about 99.5:0.5 to about 50:50 based on the dry weight of inorganic particulate material and the amount of dry fibre in the pulp. For example, the ratio of the amount of inorganic particulate material and dry fibre may be from about 99.5:0.5 to about 70:30. In an embodiment, the ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 80:20, or for example, about 85:15, or about 90:10, or about 91:9, or about 92:8, or about 93:7, or about 94:6, or about 95:5, or about 96:4, or about 97:3, or about 98:2, or about 99:1. In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 95:5. In another preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 90:10. In another preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 85:15. In another preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 80:20. In another preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 50:50.

The total energy input in a typical grinding process to obtain the desired aqueous suspension composition may typically be between about 100 and 1500 kWht⁻¹ based on the total dry weight of the inorganic particulate filler. The total energy input may be less than about 1000 kWht⁻¹, for example, less than about 800 kWht⁻¹, less than about 600 kWht⁻¹, less than about 500 kWht⁻¹, less than about 400 kWht⁻¹, less than about 300 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 200 kWht⁻¹. As such, the present inventors have surprisingly found that a cellulose pulp can be microfibrillated at relatively low energy input when it is co-ground in the presence of an inorganic particulate material. As will be apparent, the total energy input per tonne of dry fibre in the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose will be less than about 10,000 kWht⁻¹, for example, less than about 9000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 8000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 7000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 6000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 5000 kWht⁻¹, for example less than about 4000 kWht⁻¹, less than about 3000 kWht⁻¹, less than about 2000 kWht⁻¹, less than about 1500 kWht⁻¹. less than about 1200 kWht⁻¹, less than about 1000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 800 kWht⁻¹. The total energy input varies depending on the amount of dry fibre in the fibrous substrate being microfibrillated, and optionally the speed of grind and the duration of grind.

Homogenizing

Microfibrillation of the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be effected under wet conditions in the presence of the inorganic particulate material by a method in which the mixture of cellulose pulp and inorganic particulate material is pressurized (for example, to a pressure of about 500 bar) and then passed to a zone of lower pressure. The rate at which the mixture is passed to the low pressure zone is sufficiently high and the pressure of the low pressure zone is sufficiently low as to cause microfibrillation of the cellulose fibres. For example, the pressure drop may be effected by forcing the mixture through an annular opening that has a narrow entrance orifice with a much larger exit orifice. The drastic decrease in pressure as the mixture accelerates into a larger volume (i.e., a lower pressure zone) induces cavitation which causes microfibrillation. In an embodiment, microfibrillation of the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be effected in a homogenizer under wet conditions in the presence of the inorganic particulate material. In the homogenizer, the cellulose pulp-inorganic particulate material mixture is pressurized (for example, to a pressure of about 500 bar), and forced through a small nozzle or orifice. The mixture may be pressurized to a pressure of from about 100 to about 1000 bar, for example to a pressure of equal to or greater than 300 bar, or equal to or greater than about 500, or equal to or greater than about 200 bar, or equal to or greater than about 700 bar. The homogenization subjects the fibres to high shear forces such that as the pressurized cellulose pulp exits the nozzle or orifice, cavitation causes microfibrillation of the cellulose fibres in the pulp. Additional water may be added to improve flowability of the suspension through the homogenizer. The resulting aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be fed back into the inlet of the homogenizer for multiple passes through the homogenizer. In a preferred embodiment, the inorganic particulate material is a naturally platy mineral, such as kaolin. As such, homogenization not only facilitates microfibrillation of the cellulose pulp, but also facilitates delamination of the platy particulate material.

A platy particulate material, such as kaolin, is understood to have a shape factor of at least about 10, for example, at least about 15, or at least about 20, or at least about 30, or at least about 40, or at least about 50, or at least about 60, or at least about 70, or at least about 80, or at least about 90, or at least about 100. Shape factor, as used herein, is a measure of the ratio of particle diameter to particle thickness for a population of particles of varying size and shape as measured using the electrical conductivity methods, apparatuses, and equations described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,617, which is incorporated herein by reference.

A suspension of a platy inorganic particulate material, such as kaolin, may be treated in the homogenizer to a predetermined particle size distribution in the absence of the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose, after which the fibrous material comprising cellulose is added to the aqueous slurry of inorganic particulate material and the combined suspension is processed in the homogenizer as described above. The homogenization process is continued, including one or more passes through the homogenizer, until the desired level of microfibrillation has been obtained. Similarly, the platy inorganic particulate material may be treated in a grinder to a predetermined particle size distribution and then combined with the fibrous material comprising cellulose followed by processing in the homogenizer.

An exemplary homogenizer is a Manton Gaulin (APV) homogenizer.

After the microfibrillation step has been carried out, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be screened to remove fibre above a certain size and to remove any grinding medium. For example, the suspension can be subjected to screening using a sieve having a selected nominal aperture size in order to remove fibres which do not pass through the sieve. Nominal aperture size means the nominal central separation of opposite sides of a square aperture or the nominal diameter of a round aperture. The sieve may be a BSS sieve (in accordance with BS 1796) having a nominal aperture size of 150 μm, for example, a nominal aperture size 125 μm, or 106 μm, or 90 μm, or 74 μm, or 63 μm, or 53 μm, 45 μm, or 38 μm. In one embodiment, the aqueous suspension is screened using a BSS sieve having a nominal aperture of 125 μm. The aqueous suspension may then be optionally dewatered.

The Aqueous Suspension

The aqueous suspensions of this invention produced in accordance with the methods described above are suitable for use in a method of making paper or coating paper.

As such, the present invention is directed to an aqueous suspension comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of microfibrillated cellulose and an inorganic particulate material and other optional additives. The aqueous suspension is suitable for use in a method of making paper or coating paper. The other optional additives include dispersant, biocide, suspending aids, salt(s) and other additives, for example, starch or carboxymethylcellulose or polymers, which may facilitate the interaction of mineral particles and fibres during or after grinding.

The inorganic particulate material may have a particle size distribution such that at least about 10% by weight, for example at least about 20% by weight, for example at least about 30% by weight, for example at least about 40% by weight, for example at least about 50% by weight, for example at least about 60% by weight, for example at least about 70% by weight, for example at least about 80% by weight, for example at least about 90% by weight, for example at least about 95% by weight, or for example about 100% of the particles have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm.

In another embodiment, the inorganic particulate material may have a particle size distribution, as measured by a Malvern Mastersizer S machine, such that at least about 10% by volume, for example at least about 20% by volume, for example at least about 30% by volume, for example at least about 40% by volume, for example at least about 50% by volume, for example at least about 60% by volume, for example at least about 70% by volume, for example at least about 80% by volume, for example at least about 90% by volume, for example at least about 95% by volume, or for example about 100% by volume of the particles have an e.s.d. of less than 2 μm.

The amount of inorganic particulate material and cellulose pulp in the mixture to be co-ground may vary in a ratio of from about 99.5:0.5 to about 0.5:99.5, based on the dry weight of inorganic particulate material and the amount of dry fibre in the pulp, for example, a ratio of from about 99.5:0.5 to about 50:50 based on the dry weight of inorganic particulate material and the amount of dry fibre in the pulp. For example, the ratio of the amount of inorganic particulate material and dry fibre may be from about 99.5:0.5 to about 70:30. In an embodiment, the ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 80:20, or for example, about 85:15, or about 90:10, or about 91:9, or about 92:8, or about 93:7, or about 94:6, or about 95:5, or about 96:4, or about 97:3, or about 98:2, or about 99:1. In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 95:5. In another preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 90:10. In another preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 85:15. In another preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 80:20. In another preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of inorganic particulate material to dry fibre is about 50:50.

In an embodiment, the composition does not include fibres too large to pass through a BSS sieve (in accordance with BS 1796) having a nominal aperture size of 150 μm, for example, a nominal aperture size of 125 μm, 106 μm, or 90 μm, or 74 μm, or 63 μm, or 53 μm, 45 μm, or 38 μm. In one embodiment, the aqueous suspension is screened using a BSS sieve having a nominal aperture of 125 μm.

It will be understood therefore that amount (i.e., % by weight) of microfibrillated cellulose in the aqueous suspension after grinding or homogenizing may be less than the amount of dry fibre in the pulp if the ground or homogenized suspension is treated to remove fibres above a selected size. Thus, the relative amounts of pulp and inorganic particulate material fed to the grinder or homogenizer can be adjusted depending on the amount of microfibrillated cellulose that is required in the aqueous suspension after fibres above a selected size are removed.

In an embodiment, the inorganic particulate material is an alkaline earth metal carbonate, for example, calcium carbonate. The inorganic particulate material may be ground calcium carbonate (GCC) or precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), or a mixture of GCC and PCC. In another embodiment, the inorganic particulate material is a naturally platy mineral, for example, kaolin. The inorganic particulate material may be a mixture of kaolin and calcium carbonate, for example, a mixture of kaolin and GCC, or a mixture of kaolin and PCC, or a mixture of kaolin, GCC and PCC.

In another embodiment, the aqueous suspension is treated to remove at least a portion or substantially all of the water to form a partially dried or essentially completely dried product. For example, at least about 10% by volume of water in the aqueous suspension may be removed from the aqueous suspension, for example, at least about 20% by volume, or at least about 30% by volume, or least about 40% by volume, or at least about 50% by volume, or at least about 60% by volume, or at least about 70% by volume or at least about 80% by volume or at least about 90% by volume, or at least about 100% by volume of water in the aqueous suspension may be removed. Any suitable technique can be used to remove water from the aqueous suspension including, for example, by gravity or vacuum-assisted drainage, with or without pressing, or by evaporation, or by filtration, or by a combination of these techniques. The partially dried or essentially completely dried product will comprise microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material and any other optional additives that may have been added to the aqueous suspension prior to drying. The partially dried or essentially completely dried product may be stored or packaged for sale. The partially dried or essentially completely dried product may be optionally re-hydrated and incorporated in papermaking compositions and other paper products, as described herein.

The Ultrasonication Process

In brief, sonication, ultrasonication or ultrasonification (herein used interchangeably unless otherwise noted) is the irradiation of a liquid sample with ultrasonic (>20 kHz. e.g., 20 to 100 kHz) sound waves which results in agitation of the liquid. The sound waves propagate into a liquid media resulting in alternating high-pressure (compression) and low-pressure (rarefaction) cycles. During rarefaction, high-intensity sonic waves create small vacuum bubbles or voids in the liquid, which then collapse violently (cavitation) during compression, creating very high local temperatures, and agitation. The combination of these events results in high shear forces capable of breaking down or reducing materials into smaller constituents essentially emulsifying the material. This process may change physical properties of the material depending on the operation parameters chosen.

Ultrasonication can be used to re-disperse and de-agglomerate dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose containing compositions. The main applications of ultrasonics include homogenization (mixing), dispersing, de-agglomeration, wet-milling and grinding (e.g. nano-materials), emulsifying, and cell disintegration. Ultrasonication also aids in mixing of materials through the agitation of the material. Although the present invention is not limited to the use of any particular sonication device, ultrasonication is most typically performed by use of an ultrasonic bath or an ultrasonic probe (or transducer). Suitable devices known in the art also include, and are not limited to an ultrasonic homogenizer, an ultrasonic foil and an ultrasonic horn. Commercial scale ultrasonication devices are available from Hielscher Ultrasonics GmbH (Oderstr. 53 D-14513 Teltow, Germany and 530 Ringwood Ave. Lembo & Gray Bldg. Wanaque, N.J. 07465, USA). Suitable sonification probes are variously called sonotrodes and cascotrodes by the foregoing manufacturer

In trials reported in some of the Examples in this specification, a pilot scale ultrasonic probe (sonotrode) from Hielscher was utilized. In such trials, the unit was utilized with a 3 L/min progressive cavity (seepex) pump.

In trials reported in certain Examples below, the trials were conducted in recirculation mode between the feed tank and the ultrasonic flow cell (this is where the sonication probe (sonotrode, i.e. the device that directs ultrasonic energy to the slurry, is located)).

The starting volume in the feed tank for the reported trials was 2.5 L. 250 ml samples were collected after 0, 1, 2, 4 and 10 min of sonication. The flow rate during all such trials was maintained at approximately 1.5 L/min. In addition, several processing configurations were possible using various combinations of boosters (B4-1.8 and B4-2.2) and sonotrodes (BS4d22 and BS4d40) to determine the configuration in the processing of various microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material feed products. Sonotrodes are used to directly transfer the ultrasonic energy generated by a transducer to the medium/slurry to be sonified. Boosters are used to mechanically increase (or decrease) the amplitude generated by sonotrodes.

Any effects of ultrasonication-induced cavitation on a material are controlled through a combination of parameters including different frequencies, displacement or vibration amplitudes, time of exposure to the process and mode of administration of the process (e.g., pulsed or continuous administration). Frequencies used typically range from about 20 to about 100 kHz, or from about 25 to about 55 kHz. Amplitudes used typically range from about 22 to about 50 μm. Operating pressures of from 0 to 10 bar, or 0 to 4 bar, preferably about 3 bar may be utilized. Temperatures of 20° C. to 50° C. are suitable. Optimal conditions for sonification of slurries of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material were found to be 3 bar pressure, 20° C. and 1.5 wt. % fibre solids. The choice of using an ultrasonic bath, ultrasonic probe or other device can also influence the end result of the process.

With regard to the present invention, it has been found that ultrasonication of the aqueous suspension comprising the microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and an inorganic particulate material of the present invention (collectively referred to as the “aqueous suspension”) enhances physical properties of the material. For example, ultrasonication of an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose or comprising microfibrillated cellulose and an inorganic particulate material surprisingly and unexpectedly results in enhanced viscosity and/or tensile strength of the material, as demonstrated in the Examples section of this specification. The enhancement of the physical properties of the material of the present invention and the degree of enhancement is dependent upon the operating parameters used. In view of the teachings of this specification, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to discern the parameters appropriate to achieve a desired result without undue experimentation.

In an aspect of the present invention, the ultrasonication of the aqueous suspension of the present invention comprises producing a sonicated suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and/or tensile strength properties, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in an aqueous environment in the presence of an inorganic particulate material to produce an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, and further comprising subjecting the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material to sonication to produce the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties. The microfibrillating step may comprise grinding the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in the presence of the inorganic particulate material and may further comprise an initial step of grinding the inorganic particulate material in the absence of the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose to obtain an inorganic particulate material having a desired particle size.

In one embodiment, a grinding media, as discussed above, may also be used to produce the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties.

Ultrasonication of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be conducted with an ultrasonic probe or ultrasonic water bath, an ultrasonic homogenizer, an ultrasonic foil or an ultrasonic horn. The use of such devices is known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the methods of the present invention may further comprise one or more of high shear mixing, homogenisation or refining either before or after the sonication step, all of which are known by one of ordinary skill in the art and may be incorporated into the methods of the present invention without undue experimentation in view of the teachings of this specification.

Re-Dispersion of Dewatered, Partially Dried or Essentially Dried Microfibrillated Cellulose Compositions, Optionally Containing Inorganic Particulate Material.

In an embodiment, ultrasonication is advantageously used to re-disperse previously dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. The dewatered partially dried or essentially dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be pelletized after dewatering and drying. Such dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried, and optionally pelletized, compositions of microfibrillated cellulose or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material are re-suspended with the aid of ultrasonication devices of the types described in this specification.

In an embodiment ultrasonication is used as a post-treatment step for slurries of microfibrillated cellulose or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material to improve one or more physical property of such slurries, for example, increased tensile strength and enhanced viscosity.

In an embodiment, the inventors have invented a method for re-dispersing dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) adding a quantity of a suitable dispersing liquid to a tank         having at least one inlet and an outlet, wherein the tank         further comprises a mixer and a pump attached to the outlet;     -   (b) adding a quantity of dewatered, partially dried or         essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose to the tank through         the at least one inlet in sufficient quantity to yield a liquid         composition of microfibrillated cellulose at a desired solids         concentration;     -   (c) mixing the dispersing liquid and the dewatered, partially         dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose in the         tank with the mixer to partially de-agglomerate and re-disperse         the microfibrillated cellulose to form a flowable slurry;     -   (d) pumping the flowable slurry with the pump to an inlet of a         flow cell, wherein the flow cell comprises one or more         sonication probe in series and at least one outlet;     -   (e) applying ultrasonic energy to the slurry of at least 200         kWh/t continuously by the sonication probe at a frequency range         of 19 to 100 kHz;     -   (f) collecting the re-dispersed suspension comprising         microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced tensile strength and/or         viscosity properties from the at least one outlet of the flow         cell in a suitable holding vessel.

In an alternative embodiment the method may comprise a second outlet of the flow cell is connected to a second inlet of the tank, thereby providing for a continuous recirculation loop providing for the continuous application of ultrasonic energy to the slurry for a desired time period and/or total energy input range. Thus, the method may be practiced in the alternative as a single pass through the flow cell comprising at least one sonication probe or may be practiced in a continuous manner by recirculating a slurry comprising microfibrillated cellulose or a slurry comprising microfibrillated cellulose and at least one inorganic particulate material through the above-described recirculation loop comprising the flow cell comprising at least one sonication probe. In a preferred embodiment, the dispersing liquid is water.

In an embodiment, the cumulative ultrasonic energy input may be adjusted to at least about 200 kWh/t, at least about 300 kWh/t, at least about 400 kWh/t, at least about 500 kWh/t, at least about 600 kWh/t, at least about 700 kWh/t, at least about 800 kWh/t, at least about 900 kWh/t, at least about 1,000 kWh/t, at least about 1,100 kWh/t, at least about 1,200 kWh/t, at least about 1,300 kWh/t, at least about 1,400 kWh/t, at least about 1,500 kWh/t, at least about 1,600 kWh/t, at least about 1,700 kWh/t, at least about 1,750 kWh/t, at least about 1,800 kWh/t, at least about 1,900 kWh/t, at least about 2,000 kWh/t, at least about 2,100 kWh/t, at least about 2,200 kWh/t, at least about 2,300 kWh/t, at least about 2,400 kWh/t, at least about 2,500 kWh/t, at least about 3,000 kWh/t, at least about 3,500 kWh/t, at least about 4,000 kWh/t, at least about 4,500 kWh/t, at least about 5,000 kWh/t, at least about 5,500 kWh/t, at least about 6,000 kWh/t, at least about 6,500 kWh/t, at least about 7,000 kWh/t, at least about 7,500 kWh/t, at least about 8,000 kWh/t, at least about 8,500 kWh/t, at least about 9,000 kWh/t, at least about 9,500 kWh/t, or at least about 10,000 kWh/t.

In an embodiment, the flow cell comprises a cooling jacket for maintaining a temperature of the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose in the range of about 1° C. to about 80° C., 20° C. to about 50° C., or at room temperature, or about 20° C.

In an embodiment, the flow cell comprises an adjustable valve at the second outlet to create back pressure of the recirculated liquid of from about 0 to about 10 bar, or about 0 to about 4 bar,

In an embodiment, flow cell further comprises one or more boosters to mechanically increase or decrease the amplitude of the at least one sonication probe. The person skilled in the art will understand how boosters may be used to adjust the amplitude of the ultrasonic energy emitted from the sonication probe.

In an embodiment, the liquid composition, preferably an aqueous slurry, is at least about 0.5 to about 5%, or at least about 0.5 to about 6% fibre solids, or at least about 0.5 to about 7, or at least about 0.5 to about 8%, or at least about 0.5 to about 9%, or at least about 0.5 to about 10%, or about 1.5% fibre solids, or about 1.6% fibre solids, or about 1.7% fibre solids, or about 1.8% fibre solids, or about 1.9% fibre solids, or about 2% fibre solids, or about 2.5% fibre solids, or about 3% fibre solids, or about 3.5% fibre solids, or about 4% fibre solids, or about 4.5, or about 5% fibre solids, or about 6% fibre solids, or about 7% fibre solids, or about 8% fibre solids, or about 9% fibre solids %, or about 10% fibre solids.

In some embodiments, the microfibrillated cellulose composition is pelletized.

In other embodiments, the microfibrillated cellulose composition comprising inorganic particulate material is pelletized.

In an embodiment, the ultrasonic energy is applied for about 1 to about 120 minutes, or about 30 minutes, or about 45 minutes, or about 60 minutes, or about 75 minutes, or about 90 minutes, or about 120 minutes.

In an embodiment, the recirculation loop further comprises a high shear mixer.

The person skilled in the art will understand that improvements in tensile strength of the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be demonstrated by the FLT index previously described in this specification.

In an embodiment, the improvement in FLT index in suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material made by the methods described in this specification employing ultrasonic treatment of such suspensions compared to suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material which were not made by the methods described in this specification employing ultrasonic treatment of such suspensions. FLT indices of 7.5 Nm/g or more, of 7.5 Nm/g or more, of 8 Nm/g or more, of 8.5 Nm/g or more, of 9 Nm/g or more, of 9.5 Nm/g or more, of 10 Nm/g or more, of 10.5 Nm/g or more, of 11 Nm/g or more, of 11.5 Nm/g or more, of 12 Nm/g or more, of 12.5 Nm/g or more, of 13 Nm/g or more, of 13.5 Nm/g or more, of 14 Nm/g or more, of 14.5 Nm/g or more, or of 15 Nm/g or more are achievable through the methods disclosed in the specification.

In an embodiment improvements in FLT index of about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 12.5%, about 15% or about 20% or more may be achieved.

In an embodiment improvements in viscosity of about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 12.5%, about 15% or about 20% or more may be achieved compared to suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material produced without the application of ultrasonic energy treatment to the slurry or suspension.

In an embodiment, the liquid composition comprising microfibrillation cellulose is recirculated for about 30 to about 120 minutes, or about 30 to about 90 minutes, or about 30 to about 75 minutes, or about 30 to about 60 minutes, or about 30 to about 45 minutes, or about 30 minutes.

In an aspect of this invention, a re-dispersed microfibrillated cellulose suspension is produced by the processes disclosed in this specification.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises one or more of high shear mixing, homogenization and refining either before or after the sonication step.

In an embodiment, the inventors have invented a method for re-dispersing dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) adding a quantity of a suitable dispersing liquid to a         closed tank, wherein the tank comprises an inlet and an outlet         connected to a pump comprising a first inlet and a first outlet,         and a flow cell comprising a second inlet and a second outlet,         and further comprising at least one sonication probe         (sonotrode), thereby forming a closed recirculation loop;     -   (b) adding a quantity of dewatered, partially dried or         essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose to the tank in         sufficient quantity to yield a liquid composition of         microfibrillated cellulose at a desired solids concentration;     -   wherein the liquid composition comprising microfibrillated         cellulose of step (b) is continuously recirculated through the         recirculation loop;     -   (c) applying ultrasonic energy of at least 200 kWh/t         intermittently or continuously by the sonotrode at a frequency         range of 20 to 100 Hz to the liquid composition of         microfibrillated cellulose,

thereby forming a re-dispersed suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced tensile strength and/or enhanced viscosity properties.

In an additional embodiment, the foregoing method for re-dispersing dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose composition may include at least one inorganic particulate material. The at least one inorganic particulate material may be added to the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose or may be present due to the co-processing of cellulose fibres with inorganic particulate material in the fibrillation process as previously described in this specification.

In a preferred embodiment of the process, the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is an aqueous suspension.

The sonification step of the process may be carried out with at least one sonication probe (sonotrode) contained within a flow cell comprising forming part of a closed recirculation loop. The closed recirculation loop comprises a closed tank for adding a suitable dispersing liquid, preferably water. The tank is connected to an inlet to a suitable pump. An outlet of the pump is connected to an inlet to the flow cell comprising the at least one sonotrode. The outlet of the flow cell is connected by a tube to a second inlet to the closed mixing tank, thereby creating a recirculating loop for recirculation of the liquid composition comprising microfibrillated cellulose and optionally at least one inorganic particulate material.

In certain embodiments, the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may contain other optional additives. The optional additives could be, for example, a retention aid, or other additives used in papermaking compositions, for example, a sizing agent which may be, for example, a long chain alkylketene dimer, a wax emulsion or a succinic acid derivative. The composition may also contain dye and/or an optical brightening agent. The composition may also comprise dry and wet strength aids such as, for example, starch or epichlorhydrin copolymers. Other optional additives include dispersant, biocide, suspending aids, salt(s) and other additives, for example, starch or carboxymethylcellulose or polymers, which may facilitate the interaction of mineral particles and fibres during or after grinding.

The liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose, an optionally at least one or more inorganic particulate material, is continuously recirculated through the recirculation loop. During recirculation of the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose, and optionally at least one or more inorganic particulate material, ultrasonic energy is applied through an ultrasonication device. In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonication device is a sonotrode is well known in the art. Exemplary sonotrodes are available from, for example, Hielscher Ultrasonics GmbH (Oderstr. 53 D-14513 Teltow, Germany and 530 Ringwood Ave. Lembo & Gray Bldg. Wanaque, N.J. 07465, USA).

Ultrasonic energy may be applied continuously or intermittently by the sonication probe (sonotrode) housed within the flow cell. Ultrasonic energy may be applied in an cumulative amount of at least about 200 kWh/t, at least about 300 kWh/t, at least about 400 kWh/t, at least about 500 kWh/t, at least about 600 kWh/t, at least about 700 kWh/t, at least about 800 kWh/t, at least about 900 kWh/t, at least about 1,000 kWh/t, at least about 1,100 kWh/t, at least about 1,200 kWh/t, at least about 1,300 kWh/t, at least about 1,400 kWh/t, at least about 1,500 kWh/t, at least about 1,600 kWh/t, at least about 1,700 kWh/t, at least about 1,750 kWh/t, at least about 1,800 kWh/t, at least about 1,900 kWh/t, at least about 2,000 kWh/t, at least about 2,100 kWh/t, at least about 2,200 kWh/t, at least about 2,300 kWh/t, at least about 2,400 kWh/t, at least about 2,500 kWh/t, at least about 3,000 kWh/t, at least about 3,500 kWh/t, at least about 4,000 kWh/t, at least about 4,500 kWh/t, at least about 5,000 kWh/t, at least about 5,500 kWh/t, at least about 6,000 kWh/t, at least about 6,500 kWh/t, at least about 7,000 kWh/t, at least about 7,500 kWh/t, at least about 8,000 kWh/t, at least about 8,500 kWh/t, at least about 9,000 kWh/t, at least about 9,500 kWh/t, or at least about 10,000 kWh/t.

In an embodiment, the flow cell comprises a cooling jacket for maintaining a temperature of the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose in the range of about 1° C. to about 80° C., or about 20° C. to about 50°, or at room temperature, or preferably about 20° C.

In an embodiment, the flow cell comprises an adjustable valve at the second outlet to create back pressure of the recirculated liquid of from about 0 to about 10 bar., or about 0 to 4 bar, preferably about 3 bar.

In an embodiment, flow cell further comprises one or more boosters to mechanically increase or decrease the amplitude of the at least one sonication probe. The person skilled in the art will understand how boosters may be used to adjust the amplitude of the ultrasonic energy emitted from the sonication probe.

In an embodiment, the liquid composition, preferably an aqueous slurry, is at least about 0.5% to about 5%, or at least about 0.5% to about 6% fibre solids, or at least about 0.5% to about 7, or at least about 0.5 to about 8%, or at least about 0.5 to about 9%, or at least about 0.5% to about 10%, or about 1.5% fibre solids, or about 1.6% fibre solids, or about 1.7% fibre solids, or about 1.8% fibre solids, or about 1.9% fibre solids, or about 2% fibre solids, or about 2.5% fibre solids, or about 3% fibre solids, or about 3.5% fibre solids, or about 4% fibre solids, or about 4.5, or about 5% fibre solids, or about 6% fibre solids, or about 7% fibre solids, or about 8% fibre solids, or about 9% fibre solids %, or about 10% fibre solids.

In an embodiment, ultrasonication is advantageously used to re-disperse previously dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. The dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be pelletized after dewatering and drying. Such dewatered, partially dried or dried, and optionally pelletized, compositions of microfibrillated cellulose or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material are re-suspended with the aid of ultrasonication devices of the types described in this specification.

In an embodiment, the ultrasonic energy is applied for about 1 to about 120 minutes, or about 30 minutes, or about 45 minutes, or about 60 minutes, or about 75 minutes, or about 90 minutes, or about 120 minutes.

The person skilled in the art will understand that improvements in tensile strength of the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be demonstrated by the FLT index previously described in this specification.

In an embodiment, the improvement in FLT index in suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material made by the methods described in this specification employing ultrasonic treatment of such suspensions compared to suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material which were not made by the methods described in this specification employing ultrasonic treatment of such suspensions. FLT indices of 7.5 Nm/g or more, of 7.5 Nm/g or more, of 8 Nm/g or more, of 8.5 Nm/g or more, of 9 Nm/g or more, of 9.5 Nm/g or more, of 10 Nm/g or more, of 10.5 Nm/g or more, of 11 Nm/g or more, of 11.5 Nm/g or more, of 12 Nm/g or more, of 12.5 Nm/g or more, of 13 Nm/g or more, of 13.5 Nm/g or more, of 14 Nm/g or more, of 14.5 Nm/g or more, or of 15 Nm/g or more, are achievable through the methods disclosed in the specification.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the tensile strength of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 50%, at least 100% or at least 200% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material not subject to sonication.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the viscosity of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 5%, at least by 10% or at least by 20%, by at least 50%, by at least 100% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material not subject to sonication.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material is subject to sonication for at least 30 seconds, at least 1 minute, at least 2 minutes, at least 5 minutes, at least 10 minutes and at least 20 minutes or longer. The length of time may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this specification.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material is subject to sonication at an energy compensation rate of up to 1000 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils, up to 2000 kwh per tonne, 2500 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils, up to 5000 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils and up to 10000 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils. As set forth in the Examples of this application, sonication was found to be more effective for re-dispersing and de-agglomerating microfibrillated cellulose or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material that had been dewatered, partially dried, or essentially dried and pelletized. In other embodiments, re-dispersion of slurries of slurries of microfibrillated cellulose or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material through sonication yielded improvements in product quality at energy inputs between 200 kWh/t and 10,000 kWh/t, especially between 1000 kWh/t and 2000 kWh/t.

In an embodiment, sonication of mineral free microfibrillated cellulose (e.g., birch) produced using the a pilot scale stirred media detritor (Supermill) yielded products with comparable specifications to microfibrillated cellulose made by grinding processes in, for example a Supermill, followed by a homogenization step when sonicated at about 1500 kWh/t.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be sonicated by running the sonicator in continuous mode or in pulse mode or a combination of both. That is, where alternating long pulses and short pulses are performed as desired patterns or at random.

In preferred embodiments, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material may be formed into a semi (partially)-dry product prior to sonication. A belt pressed cake is one example of a semi-dried product suitable for use in the present invention. In certain embodiments, the belt press cake may be further subjected to treatment in an air swept dryer and mill, such as an Atritor dryer. Often converting the product to a semi-dry product is done, for example, for ease of handling and/or transport. In the event of using a semi-dried product as a starting material, sonication not only provides enhanced physical properties to the material but also aids in disbursement of the material into solution in a process referred to as rewetting.

The sonication of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material is not limited to any particular or specific sonication parameters as a change on one parameter may compensate for a change in another parameter, within physical and practical limits of the equipment and material being sonicated. For example, lengthening sonication time may compensate at least partly for using a reduced amplitude.

In preferred embodiments, the sonication is performed at an amplitude of up to 60%, up to 80%, up to 100% and up to 200% or more, to the physical limitations of the sonicator used. Said upper physical limits of amplitude of a particular device used are known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be in the form of a pulp, for example, a chemical pulp, or a chemithermomechanical pulp, or a mechanical pulp, or a recycled pulp, or a paper broke pulp, or a papermill waste stream, or waste from a papermill, or combinations thereof.

The inorganic particulate material may be an alkaline earth metal carbonate or sulphate, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, dolomite, gypsum, a hydrous kandite clay such as kaolin, halloysite or ball clay, an anhydrous (calcined) kandite clay such as metakaolin or fully calcined kaolin, talc, mica, perlite or diatomaceous earth, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the inorganic particulate material is an alkaline earth metal carbonate, for example, calcium carbonate or kaolin or a combination thereof.

The grinding vessel may be a tower mill or a stirred media detritor.

In an embodiment, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties obtained by the method of the present invention is suitable for use in a method of making paper or coating paper and is suitable for other use in other processes and materials where microfibrillated cellulose is typically used, examples of which are detailed below in the section entitled “Other Uses.”

In another aspect of the invention, the cellulose suspension may be produced without the use of an inorganic particulate material. In these instances, a grinding media, as discussed above and below, may be used in place of the inorganic particulate material. In this regard, the ultrasonication of the cellulose suspension of the present invention comprises producing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in an aqueous environment to produce an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose, and further comprising subjecting the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose to sonication to produce the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties. The microfibrillating step may comprise grinding the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in the presence of a grinding media, the grinding media having a desired particle size. The grinding media may be partially or completely removed after the microfibrillating step.

Ultrasonication of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose may be conducted with an ultrasonic probe or ultrasonic water bath, an ultrasonic homogenizer, an ultrasonic foil or an ultrasonic horn. The use of such devices is known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Such probes are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In view of the teachings of this specification, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to discern the appropriate parameters without undue experimentation.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the methods of the present invention may further comprise one or more of high shear mixing, homogenisation or refining either before or after the sonication step, all of which are known by one of ordinary skill in the art and may be incorporated into the methods of the present invention without undue experimentation in view of the teachings of this specification.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the tensile strength of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 50%, at least 100% or at least 200% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material not subject to sonication.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the viscosity of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 5%, at least by 10% or at least by 20%, by at least 50%, by at least 100% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material not subject to sonication.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose is subject to sonication for at least 30 seconds, at least 1 minute, at least 2 minutes, at least 3 minutes, at least 4 minutes, at least 5 minutes, at least 10 minutes and at least 20 minutes or longer. The length of time may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this specification.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose is subject to sonication at an energy compensation rate of up to 1000 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils, up to 1500 kwh per tonne, up to 2000 kwh per tonne, up to 2500 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils, up to 5000 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils and up to 10000 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils.

The aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally inorganic particulate material, may be sonicated by running the sonicator in continuous mode or in pulse mode or a combination of both. That is, where alternating long pulses and short pulses are performed as desired patterns or at random.

The aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally inorganic particulate material, may be formed into a semi (partially)-dry product prior to sonication. A belt pressed cake is one example of a semi-dried product suitable for use in the present invention. Another embodiment is a belt pressed cake followed by further drying in an air swept mill such as an Atritor dryer mill. Often converting the product to a semi-dry product is done, for example, for ease of handling and/or transport. In the event of using a semi-dried product as a starting material, sonication not only provides enhanced physical properties to the material but also aids in disbursement of the material into solution or suspension.

The sonication of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally inorganic particulate material, is not limited to any particular or specific sonication parameters as a change on one parameter may compensate for a change in another parameter, within physical and practical limits. For example, lengthening sonication time may compensate at least partly for a reduced amplitude.

In preferred embodiments, the sonication is performed at an amplitude of up to 60%, up to 80%, up to 100% and up to 200% or more, to the physical limitations of the sonicator used. Said upper physical limits of amplitude of a particular device used are known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be in the form of a pulp, for example, a chemical pulp, or a chemithermomechanical pulp, or a mechanical pulp, or a recycled pulp, or a paper broke pulp, or a papermill waste stream, or waste from a papermill, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and, optionally, inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties obtained by the method of the present invention is suitable for use in a method of making paper or coating paper and is suitable for other use in other processes and materials where microfibrillated cellulose is typically used and is suitable for other use in other processes and materials where microfibrillated cellulose is typically used, examples of which are detailed below in the section entitled “Other Uses.”

Paper Products and Processes for Preparing Same

The aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material can be incorporated in papermaking compositions, which in turn can be used to prepare paper products. The term paper product, as used in connection with the present invention, should be understood to mean all forms of paper, including board such as, for example, white-lined board and linerboard, cardboard, paperboard, coated board, and the like. There are numerous types of paper, coated or uncoated, which may be made according to the present invention, including paper suitable for books, magazines, newspapers and the like, and office papers. The paper may be calendered or super calendered as appropriate; for example super calendered magazine paper for rotogravure and offset printing may be made according to the present methods. Paper suitable for light weight coating (LWC), medium weight coating (MWC) or machine finished pigmentisation (MFP) may also be made according to the present methods.

Coated paper and board having barrier properties suitable for food packaging and the like may also be made according to the present methods. In a typical papermaking process, a cellulose-containing pulp is prepared by any suitable chemical or mechanical treatment, or combination thereof, which are well known in the art. The pulp may be derived from any suitable source such as wood, grasses (e.g., sugarcane, bamboo) or rags (e.g., textile waste, cotton, hemp or flax). The pulp may be bleached in accordance with processes which are well known to those skilled in the art and those processes suitable for use in the present invention will be readily evident. The bleached cellulose pulp may be beaten, refined, or both, to a predetermined freeness (reported in the art as Canadian standard freeness (CSF) in cm³). A suitable paper stock is then prepared from the bleached and beaten pulp.

The papermaking composition of the present invention typically comprises, in addition to the aqueous suspension of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, paper stock and other conventional additives known in the art. The papermaking composition of the present invention may comprise up to about 50% by weight inorganic particulate material derived from the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material based on the total dry contents of the papermaking composition. For example, the papermaking composition may comprise at least about 2% by weight, or at least about 5% by weight, or at least about 10% by weight, or at least about 15% by weight, or at least about 20% by weight, or at least about 25% by weight, or at least about 30% by weight, or at least about 35% by weight, or at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 45% by weight, or at least about 50% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 70% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight of inorganic particulate material derived from the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material based on the total dry contents of the papermaking composition. The microfibrillated cellulose material may have a fibre steepness of greater than about 10, for examples, from about 20 to about 50, or from about 25 to about 40, or from about 25 to 35, or from about 30 to about 40. The papermaking composition may also contain a non-ionic, cationic or an anionic retention aid or microparticle retention system in an amount in the range from about 0.1 to 2% by weight, based on the dry weight of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. It may also contain a sizing agent which may be, for example, a long chain alkylketene dimer, a wax emulsion or a succinic acid derivative. The composition may also contain dye and/or an optical brightening agent. The composition may also comprise dry and wet strength aids such as, for example, starch or epichlorhydrin copolymers.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a process for making a paper product comprising: (i) obtaining or preparing a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in the form of a pulp suitable for making a paper product; (ii) preparing a papermaking composition from the pulp in step (i), the aqueous suspension of this invention comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, and other optional additives (such as, for example, a retention aid, and other additives such as those described above); and (iii) forming a paper product from said papermaking composition. As noted above, the step of forming a pulp may take place in the grinder vessel or homogenizer by addition of the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in a dry state, for example, in the form of a dry paper broke or waste, directly to the grinder vessel. The aqueous environment in the grinder vessel or homogenizer will then facilitate the formation of a pulp.

In one embodiment, an additional filler component (i.e., a filler component other than the inorganic particulate material which is co-ground with the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose) can be added to the papermaking composition prepared in step (ii). Exemplary filler components are PCC, GCC, kaolin, or mixtures thereof. An exemplary PCC is scalenohedral PCC. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the inorganic particulate material to the additional filler component in the papermaking composition is from about 1:1 to about 1:30, for example, from about 1:1 to about 1:20, for example, from about 1:1 to about 1:15, for example from about 1:1 to about 1:10, for example from about 1:1 to about 1:7, for example, from about 1:3 to about 1:6, or about 1:1, or about 1:2, or about 1:3, or about 1:4, or about 1:5. Paper products made from such papermaking compositions may exhibit greater strength compared to paper products comprising only inorganic particulate material, such as for example PCC, as filler. Paper products made from such papermaking compositions may exhibit greater strength compared to a paper product in which inorganic particulate material and a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose are prepared (e.g., ground) separately and are admixed to form a paper making composition. Equally, paper products prepared from a papermaking composition according to the present invention may exhibit a strength which is comparable to paper products comprising less inorganic particulate material. In other words, paper products can be prepared from a paper making composition according to the present at higher filler loadings without loss of strength.

The steps in the formation of a final paper product from a papermaking composition are conventional and well known in the art and generally comprise the formation of paper sheets having a targeted basis weight, depending on the type of paper being made.

Additional economic benefits can be achieved through the methods of the present invention in that the cellulose substrate for making the aqueous suspension can be derived from the same cellulose pulp formed for making the papermaking composition and the final paper product. As such, and in accordance with an aspect of the invention described above, the present invention is directed to a an integrated process for making a paper product comprising: (i) obtaining or preparing a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in the form of a pulp suitable for making a paper product; (ii) microfibrillating a portion of said fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in accordance with the first aspect of the invention to prepare an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material; (iii) preparing a papermaking composition from the pulp in step (i), the aqueous suspension prepared in step (ii), and other optional additives; and iv) forming a paper product from said papermaking composition.

Thus, since the cellulose substrate for preparing the aqueous suspension has already been prepared for the purpose of making the papermaking compositions, the step of forming the aqueous suspension does not necessarily require a separate step of preparing the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose.

Paper products prepared using the aqueous suspension of the present invention have surprisingly been found to exhibit improved physical and mechanical properties whilst at the same time enabling the inorganic particulate material to be incorporated at relatively high loading levels. Thus, improved papers can be prepared at relatively less cost. For example, paper products prepared from papermaking compositions comprising the aqueous suspension of the present invention have been found to exhibit improved retention of the inorganic particulate material filler compared to paper products which do not contain any microfibrillated cellulose. Paper products prepared from papermaking compositions comprising the aqueous suspension of the present invention have also been found to exhibit improved burst strength and tensile strength. Further, the incorporation of the microfibrillated cellulose has been found to reduce porosity compared to paper comprising the same amount of filler but no microfibrillated cellulose. This is advantageous since high filler loading levels are generally associated with relatively high values of porosity and are detrimental to printability.

Paper Coating Composition and Coating Process

The aqueous suspension of the present invention can be used as a coating composition without the addition of further additives. However, optionally, a small amount of thickener such as carboxymethylcellulose or alkali-swellable acrylic thickeners or associated thickeners may be added.

The coating composition according to the present invention may contain one or more optional additional components, if desired. Such additional components, where present, are suitably selected from known additives for paper coating compositions. Some of these optional additives may provide more than one function in the coating composition. Examples of known classes of optional additives are as follows:

(a) one or more additional pigments: the compositions described herein can be used as sole pigments in the paper coating compositions, or may be used in conjunction with one another or with other known pigments, such as, for example, calcium sulphate, satin white, and so-called “plastic pigment”. When a mixture of pigments is used, the total pigment solids content is preferably present in the composition in an amount of at least about 75 wt. % of the total weight of the dry components of the coating composition;

(b) one or more binding or co-binding agents: for example, latex, which may, optionally, be carboxylated, including: a styrene-butadiene rubber latex; an acrylic polymer latex; a polyvinyl acetate latex; or a styrene acrylic copolymer latex, starch derivatives, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and proteins;

(c) one or more cross linkers: for example, in levels of up to about 5% by weight; e.g., glyoxals, melamine formaldehyde resins, ammonium zirconium carbonates; one or more dry or wet pick improvement additives: e.g., in levels up to about 2% by weight, e.g., melamine resin, polyethylene emulsions, urea formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde, polyamide, calcium stearate, styrene maleic anhydride and others; one or more dry or wet rub improvement and abrasion resistance additives: e.g., in levels up to about 2% by weight, e.g., glyoxal based resins, oxidised polyethylenes, melamine resins, urea formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde, polyethylene wax, calcium stearate and others; one or more water resistance additives: e.g., in levels up to about 2% by weight, e.g., oxidised polyethylenes, ketone resin, anionic latex, polyurethane, SMA, glyoxals, melamine resin, urea formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde, polyamide, stearates and other materials commercially available for this function;

(d) one or more water retention aids: for example, in levels up to about 2% by weight, e.g., sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol), starches, proteins, polyacrylates, gums, alginates, polyacrylamide bentonite and other commercially available products sold for such applications;

(e) one or more viscosity modifiers and/or thickeners: for example, in levels up to about 2% by weight; e.g., acrylic associative thickeners, polyacrylates, emulsion copolymers, dicyanamide, triols, polyoxyethylene ether, urea, sulphated castor oil, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, CMC (carboxymethyl celluloses, for example sodium carboxymethylcellulose), sodium alginate, xanthan gum, sodium silicate, acrylic acid copolymers, HMC (hydroxymethylcelluloses), HEC (hydroxyethylcelluloses) and others;

(f) one or more lubricity/calendering aids: for example, in levels up to about 2% by weight, e.g., calcium stearate, ammonium stearate, zinc stearate, wax emulsions, waxes, alkyl ketene dimer, glycols; one or more gloss-ink hold-out additives: e.g., in levels up to about 2% by weight, e.g., oxidised polyethylenes, polyethylene emulsions, waxes, casein, guar gum, CMC, HMC, calcium stearate, ammonium stearate, sodium alginate and others;

(g) one or more dispersants: the dispersant is a chemical additive capable, when present in a sufficient amount, of acting on the particles of the particulate inorganic material to prevent or effectively restrict flocculation or agglomeration of the particles to a desired extent, according to normal processing requirements. The dispersant may be present in levels up to about 1% by weight, and includes, for example, polyelectrolytes such as polyacrylates and copolymers containing polyacrylate species, especially polyacrylate salts (e.g., sodium and aluminium optionally with a group II metal salt), sodium hexametaphosphates, non-ionic polyol, polyphosphoric acid, condensed sodium phosphate, non-ionic surfactants, alkanolamine and other reagents commonly used for this function. The dispersant may, for example, be selected from conventional dispersant materials commonly used in the processing and grinding of inorganic particulate materials. Such dispersants will be well recognized by those skilled in this art. They are generally water-soluble salts capable of supplying anionic species which in their effective amounts can adsorb on the surface of the inorganic particles and thereby inhibit aggregation of the particles. The unsolvated salts suitably include alkali metal cations such as sodium. Solvation may in some cases be assisted by making the aqueous suspension slightly alkaline. Examples of suitable dispersants include: water soluble condensed phosphates, e.g., polymetaphosphate salts [general form of the sodium salts: (NaPO₃)_(x)] such as tetrasodium metaphosphate or so-called “sodium hexametaphosphate” (Graham's salt); water-soluble salts of polysilicic acids; polyelectrolytes; salts of homopolymers or copolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, or salts of polymers of other derivatives of acrylic acid, suitably having a weight average molecular mass of less than about 20,000. Sodium hexametaphosphate and sodium polyacrylate, the latter suitably having a weight average molecular mass in the range of about 1,500 to about 10,000, are especially preferred;

(h) one or more antifoamers and defoamers: for example, in levels up to about 1% by weight, e.g., blends of surfactants, tributyl phosphate, fatty polyoxyethylene esters plus fatty alcohols, fatty acid soaps, silicone emulsions and other silicone containing compositions, waxes and inorganic particulates in mineral oil, blends of emulsified hydrocarbons and other compounds sold commercially to carry out this function;

(i) one or more optical brightening agents (OBA) and fluorescent whitening agents (FWA): for example, in levels up to about 1% by weight, e.g., stilbene derivatives;

(j) one or more dyes: for example, in levels up to about 0.5% by weight;

(k) one or more biocides/spoilage control agents: for example, in levels up to about 1% by weight, e.g., oxidizing biocides such as chlorine gas, chlorine dioxide gas, sodium hypochlorite, sodium hypobromite, hydrogen, peroxide, peracetic oxide, ammonium bromide/sodium hypochlorite, or non-oxidising biocides such as GLUT (Glutaraldehyde, CAS No 90045-36-6), ISO (CIT/MIT) (Isothiazolinone, CAS Np 55956-84-9 & 96118-96-6), ISO (BIT/MIT) (Isothiazolinone), ISO (BIT) (Isothiazolinone, CAS No 2634-33-5), DBNPA, BNPD (Bronopol), NaOPP, CARBAMATE, THIONE (Dazomet), EDDM-dimethanol (0-formal), HT-Triazine (N-formal), THPS-tetrakis (0-formal), TMAD-diurea (N-formal), metaborate, sodium dodecylbenene sulphonate, thiocyanate, organosulphur, sodium benzoate and other compounds sold commercially for this function, e.g., the range of biocide polymers sold by Nalco;

(l) one or more levelling and evening aids: for example, in levels up to about 2% by weight, e.g., non-ionic polyol, polyethylene emulsions, fatty acid, esters and alcohol derivatives, alcohol/ethylene oxide, calcium stearate and other compounds sold commercially for this function;

(m) one or more grease and oil resistance additives: for example, in levels up to about 2% by weight, e.g., oxidised polyethylenes, latex, SMA (styrene maleic anhydride), polyamide, waxes, alginate, protein, CMC, and HMC.

Any of the above additives and additive types may be used alone or in admixture with each other and with other additives, if desired.

For all of the above additives, the percentages by weight quoted are based on the dry weight of inorganic particulate material (100%) present in the composition. Where the additive is present in a minimum amount, the minimum amount may be about 0.01% by weight based on the dry weight of pigment.

The coating process is carried out using standard techniques which are well known to the skilled person. The coating process may also involve calendaring or supercalendering the coated product.

Methods of coating paper and other sheet materials, and apparatus for performing the methods, are widely published and well known. Such known methods and apparatus may conveniently be used for preparing coated paper. For example, there is a review of such methods published in Pulp and Paper International, May 1994, page 18 et seq. Sheets may be coated on the sheet forming machine, i.e., “on-machine” or “off-machine” on a coater or coating machine. Use of high solids compositions is desirable in the coating method because it leaves less water to evaporate subsequently. However, as is well known in the art, the solids level should not be so high that high viscosity and leveling problems are introduced. The methods of coating may be performed using an apparatus comprising (i) an application for applying the coating composition to the material to be coated and (ii) a metering device for ensuring that a correct level of coating composition is applied. When an excess of coating composition is applied to the applicator, the metering device is downstream of it. Alternatively, the correct amount of coating composition may be applied to the applicator by the metering device, e.g., as a film press. At the points of coating application and metering, the paper web support ranges from a backing roll, e.g., via one or two applicators, to nothing (i.e., just tension). The time the coating is in contact with the paper before the excess is finally removed is the dwell time—and this may be short, long or variable.

The coating is usually added by a coating head at a coating station. According to the quality desired, paper grades are uncoated, single-coated, double-coated and even triple-coated. When providing more than one coat, the initial coat (pre-coat) may have a cheaper formulation and optionally coarser pigment in the coating composition. A coater that is applying coating on each side of the paper will have two or four coating heads, depending on the number of coating layers applied on each side. Most coating heads coat only one side at a time, but some roll coaters (e.g., film presses, gate rolls, and size presses) coat both sides in one pass.

Examples of known coaters which may be employed include, without limitation, air knife coaters, blade coaters, rod coaters, bar coaters, multi-head coaters, roll coaters, roll or blade coaters, cast coaters, laboratory coaters, gravure coaters, kisscoaters, liquid application systems, reverse roll coaters, curtain coaters, spray coaters and extrusion coaters.

Water may be added to the solids comprising the coating composition to give a concentration of solids which is preferably such that, when the composition is coated onto a sheet to a desired target coating weight, the composition has a rheology which is suitable to enable the composition to be coated with a pressure (i.e., a blade pressure) of between 1 and 1.5 bar.

Calendering is a well-known process in which paper smoothness and gloss is improved and bulk is reduced by passing a coated paper sheet between calender nips or rollers one or more times. Usually, elastomer-coated rolls are employed to give pressing of high solids compositions. An elevated temperature may be applied. One or more (e.g., up to about 12, or sometimes higher) passes through the nips may be applied.

Coated paper products prepared in accordance with the present invention and which contain optical brightening agent in the coating may exhibit a brightness as measured according to ISO Standard 11475 which is at least 2 units greater, for example at least 3 units greater compared to a coated paper product which does not comprise microfibrillated cellulose which has been prepared in accordance with the present invention. Coated paper products prepared in accordance with the present invention may exhibit a Parker Print Surf smoothness measured according to ISO standard 8971-4 (1992) which is at least 0.5 μm smoother, for example at least about 0.6 μm smoother, or at least about 0.7 μm smoother compared to a coated paper product which does not comprise microfibrillated cellulose which has been prepared in accordance with the present invention.

Microfibrillation in the Absence of Grindable Inorganic Particulate Material

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in an aqueous environment by grinding in the presence of a grinding medium which is to be removed after the completion of grinding, wherein the grinding is performed in a tower mill or a screened grinder, and wherein the grinding is carried out in the absence of grindable inorganic particulate material.

A grindable inorganic particulate material is a material which would be ground in the presence of the grinding medium.

The particulate grinding medium may be of a natural or a synthetic material. The grinding medium may, for example, comprise balls, beads or pellets of any hard mineral, ceramic or metallic material. Such materials may include, for example, alumina, zirconia, zirconium silicate, aluminium silicate or the mullite-rich material which is produced by calcining kaolinitic clay at a temperature in the range of from about 1300° C. to about 1800° C. For example, in some embodiments a Carbolite® grinding media is preferred. Alternatively, particles of natural sand of a suitable particle size may be used.

Generally, the type of and particle size of grinding medium to be selected for use in the invention may be dependent on the properties, such as, e.g., the particle size of, and the chemical composition of, the feed suspension of material to be ground. Preferably, the particulate grinding medium comprises particles having an average diameter in the range of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. In one embodiment, the particles have an average diameter of at least about 3 mm.

The grinding medium may comprise particles having a specific gravity of at least about 2.5. The grinding medium may comprise particles have a specific gravity of at least about 3, or least about 4, or least about 5, or at least about 6.

The grinding medium (or media) may be present in an amount up to about 70% by volume of the charge. The grinding media may be present in amount of at least about 10% by volume of the charge, for example, at least about 20% by volume of the charge, or at least about 30% by volume of the charge, or at least about 40% by volume of the charge, or at least about 50% by volume of the charge, or at least about 60% by volume of the charge.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated to obtain microfibrillated cellulose having a d₅₀ ranging from about 5 to μm about 500 μm, as measured by laser light scattering. The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated to obtain microfibrillated cellulose having a d₅₀ of equal to or less than about 400 μm, for example equal to or less than about 300 μm, or equal to or less than about 200 μm, or equal to or less than about 150 μm, or equal to or less than about 125 μm, or equal to or less than about 100 μm, or equal to or less than about 90 μm, or equal to or less than about 80 μm, or equal to or less than about 70 μm, or equal to or less than about 60 μm, or equal to or less than about 50 μm, or equal to or less than about 40 μm, or equal to or less than about 30 μm, or equal to or less than about 20 μm, or equal to or less than about 10 μm.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated to obtain microfibrillated cellulose having a modal fibre particle size ranging from about 0.1-500 μm. The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated in the presence to obtain microfibrillated cellulose having a modal fibre particle size of at least about 0.5 μm, for example at least about 10 μm, or at least about 50 μm, or at least about 100 μm, or at least about 150 μm, or at least about 200 μm, or at least about 300 μm, or at least about 400 μm.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be microfibrillated to obtain microfibrillated cellulose having a fibre steepness equal to or greater than about 10, as measured by Malvern. Fibre steepness (i.e., the steepness of the particle size distribution of the fibres) is determined by the following formula:

Steepness=100×(d ₃₀ /d ₇₀)

The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibre steepness equal to or less than about 100. The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibre steepness equal to or less than about 75, or equal to or less than about 50, or equal to or less than about 40, or equal to or less than about 30. The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibre steepness from about 20 to about 50, or from about 25 to about 40, or from about 25 to about 35, or from about 30 to about 40.

In one embodiment, the grinding vessel is a tower mill. The tower mill may comprise a quiescent zone above one or more grinding zones. A quiescent zone is a region located towards the top of the interior of a tower mill in which minimal or no grinding takes place and comprises microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. The quiescent zone is a region in which particles of the grinding medium sediment down into the one or more grinding zones of the tower mill.

The tower mill may comprise a classifier above one or more grinding zones. In an embodiment, the classifier is top mounted and located adjacent to a quiescent zone. The classifier may be a hydrocyclone.

The tower mill may comprise a screen above one or more grind zones. In an embodiment, a screen is located adjacent to a quiescent zone and/or a classifier. The screen may be sized to separate grinding media from the product aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and to enhance grinding media sedimentation.

In an embodiment, the grinding is performed under plug flow conditions. Under plug flow conditions the flow through the tower is such that there is limited mixing of the grinding materials through the tower. This means that at different points along the length of the tower mill the viscosity of the aqueous environment will vary as the fineness of the microfibrillated cellulose increases. Thus, in effect, the grinding region in the tower mill can be considered to comprise one or more grinding zones which have a characteristic viscosity. A skilled person in the art will understand that there is no sharp boundary between adjacent grinding zones with respect to viscosity.

In an embodiment, water is added at the top of the mill proximate to the quiescent zone or the classifier or the screen above one or more grinding zones to reduce the viscosity of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose at those zones in the mill. By diluting the product microfibrillated cellulose at this point in the mill it has been found that the prevention of grinding media carry over to the quiescent zone and/or the classifier and/or the screen is improved. Further, the limited mixing through the tower allows for processing at higher solids lower down the tower and dilute at the top with limited backflow of the dilution water back down the tower into the one or more grinding zones. Any suitable amount of water which is effective to dilute the viscosity of the product aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose may be added. The water may be added continuously during the grinding process, or at regular intervals, or at irregular intervals.

In another embodiment, water may be added to one or more grinding zones via one or more water injection points positioned along the length of the tower mill, the or each water injection point being located at a position which corresponds to the one or more grinding zones. Advantageously, the ability to add water at various points along the tower allows for further adjustment of the grinding conditions at any or all positions along the mill.

The tower mill may comprise a vertical impeller shaft equipped with a series of impeller rotor disks throughout its length. The action of the impeller rotor disks creates a series of discrete grinding zones throughout the mill.

In another embodiment, the grinding is performed in a screened grinder, preferably a stirred media detritor. The screened grinder may comprise one or more screen(s) having a nominal aperture size of at least about 250 μm, for example, the one or more screens may have a nominal aperture size of at least about 300 μm, or at least about 350 μm, or at least about 400 μm, or at least about 450 μm, or at least about 500 μm, or at least about 550 μm, or at least about 600 μm, or at least about 650 μm, or at least about 700 μm, or at least about 750 μm, or at least about 800 μm, or at least about 850 μm, or at or least about 900 μm, or at least about 1000 μm.

The screen sizes noted immediately above are applicable to the tower mill embodiments described above.

As noted above, the grinding is performed in the presence of a grinding medium. In an embodiment, the grinding medium is a coarse media comprising particles having an average diameter in the range of from about 1 mm to about 6 mm, for example about 2 mm, or about 3 mm, or about 4 mm, or about 5 mm.

In another embodiment, the grinding media has a specific gravity of at least about 2.5, for example, at least about 3, or at least about 3.5, or at least about 4.0, or at least 20 about 4.5, or least about 5.0, or at least about 5.5, or at least about 6.0.

As described above, the grinding medium (or media) may be in an amount up to about 70% by volume of the charge. The grinding media may be present in amount of at least about 10% by volume of the charge, for example, at least about 20% by volume of the charge, or at least about 30% by volume of the charge, or at least about 40% by volume of the charge, or at least about 50% by volume of the charge, or at least about 60% by volume of the charge.

In one embodiment, the grinding medium is present in amount of about 50% by volume of the charge. By ‘charge’ is meant the composition which is the feed fed to the grinder vessel. The charge includes water, grinding media, the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose and any other optional additives (other than as described herein).

The use of a relatively coarse and/or dense media has the advantage of improved (i.e., faster) sediment rates and reduced media carry over through the quiescent zone and/or classifier and/or screen(s).

A further advantage in using relatively coarse screens is that a relatively coarse or dense grinding media can be used in the microfibrillating step. In addition, the use of relatively coarse screens (i.e., having a nominal aperture of least about 250 um) allows a relatively high solids product to be processed and removed from the grinder, which allows a relatively high solids feed (comprising fibrous substrate comprising cellulose and inorganic particulate material) to be processed in an economically viable process. As discussed below, it has been found that a feed having a high initial solids content is desirable in terms of energy sufficiency. Further, it has also been found that product produced (at a given energy) at lower solids has a coarser particle size distribution.

As discussed in the ‘Background’ section above, the present invention seeks to address the problem of preparing microfibrillated cellulose economically on an industrial scale.

Thus, in accordance with one embodiment, the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose is present in the aqueous environment at an initial solids content of at least about 1 wt %. The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be present in the aqueous environment at an initial solids content of at least about 2 wt %, for example at least about 3 wt %, or at least about at least 4 wt %. Typically the initial solids content will be no more than about 10 wt %.

In another embodiment, the grinding is performed in a cascade of grinding vessels, one or more of which may comprise one or more grinding zones. For example, the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be ground in a cascade of two or more grinding vessels, for example, a cascade of three or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of four or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of five or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of six or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of seven or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of eight or more grinding vessels, or a cascade of nine or more grinding vessels in series, or a cascade comprising up to ten grinding vessels. The cascade of grinding vessels may be operatively inked in series or parallel or a combination of series and parallel. The output from and/or the input to one or more of the grinding vessels in the cascade may be subjected to one or more screening steps and/or one or more classification steps.

The total energy expended in a microfibrillation process may be apportioned equally across each of the grinding vessels in the cascade. Alternatively, the energy input may vary between some or all of the grinding vessels in the cascade.

A person skilled in the art will understand that the energy expended per vessel may vary between vessels in the cascade depending on the amount of fibrous substrate being microfibrillated in each vessel, and optionally the speed of grind in each vessel, the duration of grind in each vessel and the type of grinding media in each vessel. The grinding conditions may be varied in each vessel in the cascade in order to control the particle size distribution of the microfibrillated cellulose.

In an embodiment the grinding is performed in a closed circuit. In another embodiment, the grinding is performed in an open circuit.

As the suspension of material to be ground may be of a relatively high viscosity, a suitable dispersing agent may preferably be added to the suspension prior to grinding. The dispersing agent may be, for example, a water soluble condensed phosphate, polysilicic acid or a salt thereof, or a polyelectrolyte, for example a water soluble salt of a poly(acrylic acid) or of a poly(methacrylic acid) having a number average molecular weight not greater than 80,000. The amount of the dispersing agent used would generally be in the range of from 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, based on the weight of the dry inorganic particulate solid material. The suspension may suitably be ground at a temperature in the range of from 4° C. to 100° C.

Other additives which may be included during the microfibrillation step include: carboxymethyl cellulose, amphoteric carboxymethyl cellulose, oxidising agents, 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO), TEMPO derivatives, and wood degrading enzymes.

The pH of the suspension of material to be ground may be about 7 or greater than about 7 (i.e., basic), for example, the pH of the suspension may be about 8, or about 9, or about 10, or about 11. The pH of the suspension of material to be ground may be less than about 7 (i.e., acidic), for example, the pH of the suspension may be about 6, or about 5, or about 4, or about 3. The pH of the suspension of material to be ground may be adjusted by addition of an appropriate amount of acid or base. Suitable bases included alkali metal hydroxides, such as, for example NaOH. other suitable bases are sodium carbonate and ammonia. Suitable acids included inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric and sulphuric acid, or organic acids. An exemplary acid is orthophosphoric acid.

The total energy input in a typical grinding process to obtain the desired aqueous suspension composition may typically be between about 100 and 1500 kWht⁻¹ based on the total dry weight of the inorganic particulate filler. The total energy input may be less than about 1000 kWht⁻¹, for example, less than about 800 kWht⁻¹, less than about 600 kWht⁻¹, less than about 500 kWht⁻¹, less than about 400 kWht⁻¹, less than about 300 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 200 kWht⁻¹. As such, the present inventors have surprisingly found that a cellulose pulp can be microfibrillated at relatively low energy input when it is co-ground in the presence of an inorganic particulate material. As will be apparent, the total energy input per tonne of dry fibre in the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose will be less than about 10,000 kWht⁻¹, for example, less than about 9000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 8000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 7000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 6000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 5000 kWht⁻¹. for example less than about 4000 kWht⁻¹, less than about 3000 kWht⁻¹, less than about 2000 kWht⁻¹, less than about 1500 kWht⁻¹, less than about 1200 kWht⁻¹, less than about 1000 kWht⁻¹, or less than about 800 kWht⁻¹. The total energy input varies depending on the amount of dry fibre in the fibrous substrate being microfibrillated, and optionally the speed of grind and the duration of grind.

With regard to the present invention, it has been found that ultrasonication of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose of the present invention (collectively referred to as the “aqueous suspension”) enhances physical properties of the material. For example, ultrasonication of an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose surprisingly and unexpectedly results in enhanced viscosity and/or tensile strength of the material, as demonstrated in the Examples section of this specification. The enhancement of the physical properties of the material of the present invention and the degree of enhancement is dependent upon the operating parameters used. In view of the teachings of this specification, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to discern the parameters appropriate to achieve a desired result without undue experimentation.

In one aspect, the ultrasonication of the aqueous suspension of the present invention comprises producing an sonicated suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and/or tensile strength properties, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in an aqueous environment to produce an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose, and further comprising subjecting the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose to sonication to produce an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties.

In one embodiment, a grinding media, as discussed above, may also be used to produce the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties.

Ultrasonication of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose may be conducted with an ultrasonic probe or ultrasonic water bath, an ultrasonic homogenizer, an ultrasonic foil or an ultrasonic horn. The use of such devices is known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the methods of the present invention may further comprise one or more of high shear mixing, homogenisation or refining either before or after the sonication step, all of which are known by one of ordinary skill in the art and may be incorporated into the methods of the present invention without undue experimentation in view of the teachings of this specification.

In an embodiment, ultrasonication is advantageously used to re-disperse previously dewatered, dried or partially dried compositions of microfibrillated cellulose. The dried or partially dried compositions of microfibrillated may be pelletized after dewatering and drying. Such dried or partially dried and optionally pelletized compositions of microfibrillated cellulose are re-suspended with the aid of ultrasonication devices of the types described in this specification.

In an embodiment ultrasonication is used as a post-treatment step on slurries of microfibrillated cellulose to improve one or more physical property of such slurries, for example, increased tensile strength and enhanced viscosity.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the tensile strength of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 50%, at least 100% or at least 200% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose not subject to sonication.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the viscosity of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 5%, at least by 10% or at least by 20%, by at least 50%, by at least 100% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material not subject to sonication.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose is subject to sonication for at least 30 seconds, at least 1 minute, at least 2 minutes, at least 5 minutes, at least 10 minutes and at least 20 minutes or longer. The length of time may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this specification.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose is subject to sonication at an energy compensation rate of up to 1000 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils, up to 2000 kwh per tonne, 2500 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils, up to 5000 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils and up to 10000 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils. As set forth in the Examples of this application, sonication was found to be more effective for re-dispersing and de-agglomerating microfibrillated cellulose or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material that had been dewatered, dried and pelletized. In other embodiments, re-dispersion of slurries of slurries of microfibrillated cellulose or compositions of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material through sonication yielded improvements in product quality at energy inputs between 1000 and 2000 kWh/t.

In an embodiment, sonication of mineral free microfibrillated cellulose (e.g., birch) produced using the a pilot scale stirred media detritor (Supermill) yielded products with comparable specifications to microfibrillated cellulose made by grinding processes in, for example a Supermill, followed by a homogenization step when sonicated at about 1500 kWh/t.

In certain embodiments, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose may be sonicated by running the sonicator in continuous mode or in pulse mode or a combination of both. That is, where alternating long pulses and short pulses are performed as desired patterns or at random.

In preferred embodiments, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose may be formed into a semi-dry product prior to sonication. A belt pressed cake is one example of a semi-dried product suitable for use in the present invention. In certain embodiments, the belt press cake may be further subjected to treatment in an air swept dryer and mill, such as an Atritor dryer. Often converting the product to a semi-dry product is done, for example, for ease of handling and/or transport. In the event of using a semi-dried product as a starting material, sonication not only provides enhanced physical properties to the material but also aids in disbursement of the material into solution in a process referred to as rewetting.

The sonication of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose is not limited to any particular or specific sonication parameters as a change on one parameter may compensate for a change in another parameter, within physical and practical limits of the equipment and material being sonicated. For example, lengthening sonication time may compensate at least partly for using a reduced amplitude.

In preferred embodiments, the sonication is performed at an amplitude of up to 60%, up to 80%, up to 100% and up to 200% or more, to the physical limitations of the sonicator used. Said upper physical limits of amplitude of a particular device used are known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The fibrous substrate comprising cellulose may be in the form of a pulp, for example, a chemical pulp, or a chemithermomechanical pulp, or a mechanical pulp, or a recycled pulp, or a paper broke pulp, or a papermill waste stream, or waste from a papermill, or combinations thereof.

The grinding vessel may be a tower mill or a stirred media detritor.

In an embodiment, the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties obtained by the method of the present invention is suitable for use in a method of making paper or coating paper and is suitable for other use in other processes and materials where microfibrillated cellulose is typically used, examples of which are detailed below in the section entitled “Other Uses.”

Other Uses

The compositions of the present invention of microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and/or tensile strength properties and microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and/or tensile strength may be used in numerous applications. For example, the compositions of the present can be used for paper, paper board and paper coatings, as discussed above; paints and other coatings as, for example a rheology modifier; inks; and as a thickener, stabilizer, and homogenizing agent for use in, for example, foods and food additives, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, sunscreens, adhesives, sealants, consumer chemicals such as but not limited to detergents, fabric softeners and other household products; oilfield chemicals such as corrosion and scale inhibitors as well as an ingredient in petroleum by-products; and composites, such as wallboard and ceiling tiles. The compositions of the present invention are also suitable for use in cement board, gypsum board/plasterboard; insulation core of structural insulated panels and fiber boards; fiberboards of all descriptions (including oriented particle board); cements and concretes; sound proofing; textured and masonry paints; antimicrobial and fire retardant wall boards; sealants and adhesives and caulks; insulation; partial or complete asbestos replacement; and foams, wherein the composition of the present invention can, for example, provide strength, bulk and texture.

EXAMPLES

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of illustration only, with reference to the following examples.

The following procedure we use to characterise the particle size distributions of mixtures of minerals (GCC or kaolin) and microfibrillated cellulose pulp fibres.

Calcium Carbonate

A sample of co-ground slurry sufficient to give 3 g dry material is weighed into a beaker, diluted to 60 g with deionised water, and mixed with 5 cm³ of a solution of sodium polyacrylate of 1.5 w/v % active. Further deionised water is added with stirring to a final slurry weight of 80 g.

Kaolin

A sample of co-ground slurry sufficient to give 5 g dry material is weighed into a beaker, diluted to 60 g with deionised water, and mixed with 5 cm³ of a solution of 1.0 wt % sodium carbonate and 0.5 wt % sodium hexametaphosphate. Further deionized water is added with stirring to a final slurry weight of 80 g.

The slurry is then added in 1 cm³ aliquots to water in the sample preparation unit attached to the Mastersizer S until the optimum level of obscuration is displayed (normally 10-15%). The light scattering analysis procedure is then carried out. The instrument range selected was 300RF: 0.05-900, and the beam length set to 2.4 mm.

For co-ground samples containing calcium carbonate and fibre the refractive index for calcium carbonate (1.596) was used. For co-ground samples of kaolin and fibre the RI for kaolin (1.5295) was used.

The particle size distribution was calculated from Mie theory and gave the output as a differential volume based distribution. The presence of two distinct peaks was interpreted as arising from the mineral (finer peak) and fibre (coarser peak).

The finer mineral peak was fitted to the measured data points and subtracted mathematically from the distribution to leave the fibre peak, which was converted to a cumulative distribution. Similarly, the fibre peak was subtracted mathematically from the original distribution to leave the mineral peak, which was also converted to a cumulative distribution. Both these cumulative curves were then used to calculate the mean particle size (d₅₀) and the steepness of the distribution (d₃₀/d₇₀×100). The differential curve was used to find the modal particle size for both the mineral and fibre fractions.

Example 1

400 cm³ water and 750 g of marble flour (10 wt % <2 μm particle size, by Sedigraph) were introduced into a grinding vessel and 1.5 kg of ceramic grinding media (Carbolate® 16/20, available from CARBO Ceramics Inc.) added. The mixture was stirred at 950 rpm for 60 minutes. The media was separated from the slurry and a small sample was removed to check the particle size (using a Micromeritics Sedigraph®) which was 57 wt % <2 μm.

The same grinder was used for each of the Examples. This grinder is a vertical mill comprising a cylindrical grinding vessel having an internal diameter of 14.5 cm and a vertical impeller shaft having a circular cross section and a diameter 1.8 cm. The shaft is equipped with 4 impellers positioned in an X design. The impellers have a circular cross section and a diameter 1.8 cm. The impellers are 6.5 cm long measured from the center of the vertical shaft to the impeller tip.

Example 2

400 cm³ water and 750 g of marble flour (11-15 wt % <2 μm particle size, by Sedigraph) were introduced into a grinding vessel and 1.5 kg of ceramic grinding media (Carbolite® 16/20, available from CARBO Ceramics Inc.) added. The mixture was stirred at 950 rpm for 30 minutes. A small sample was removed and the particle size of the product was measured (using a Micromeritics Sedigraph®) at 57 wt % <2 μm. An aliquot of bleached softwood pulp beaten in a Valley beater to a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) of 520 cm³ was filtered through a screen in order to obtain a wet sheet at 20 wt % solids containing 37.5 dry g fibre. This sheet was added to the grinder and milling continued at 950 rpm for a further 30 minutes. 200 cm³ of water was added during the grinding. The media was separated from the slurry, and the fibres greater than 38 μm removed using a BSS sieve having a mesh number of 400. The particle size of the filler composition was measured (using a Micromeritics Sedigraph®) and gave a result of 48 wt % <2 μm.

Example 3

The procedure described in Example 2 was repeated, this time continuing the second milling stage for 60 minutes. 200 cm³ of water was added during the grinding. The particle size distribution of the product was measured and gave a value of 42 wt % <2 μm.

Example 4

The procedure described in Example 2 was repeated, this time continuing the second milling stage for 120 minutes. 650 cm³ of water was added during the grinding. The particle size distribution of the product was measured and gave a value of 40 wt % <2 μm.

Example 5

The procedure described in Example 2 was repeated, this time continuing the second milling stage for 260 minutes. 1270 cm³ of water was added during the grinding. The particle size distribution of the product was measured and gave a value of 40 wt % <2 μm.

Example 6

The procedure described in Example 2 was repeated, this time continuing the second milling stage for 380 minutes. 1380 cm³ of water was added during the grinding. The particle size distribution of the product was measured and gave a value of 57 wt % <2 μm.

Example 7—Evaluation of the Products as Fillers in Paper

Some of the products prepared according to the above examples were tested as fillers in paper handsheets. A batch of bleached chemical softwood pulp was used which was beaten in a Valley beater to give a CSF of 520 cm³. After disintegration and dilution to 2% thick stock, the fibre was diluted to 0.3 wt % consistency for sheet making.

Filler slurry was added together with retention aid (Ciba Percol 292, 0.02 wt % on furnish). Handsheets were made to a basis weight of 80 gm⁻² using a British handsheet mold according to standard methods, e.g., TAPPI T205 or SCAN C 26:76 (M 5:76).

The retention values of the fillers are listed below in Table 1, and show that the co-ground fillers have superior retention to the control filler.

TABLE 1 First pass retention values Ex. 1 control Ex. 2 co-ground Ex. 3 co-ground 51% 63% 63%

Two separate sheet making studies were performed and the results are given in Tables 2 and 3 below. Paper properties are interpolated at 30 wto/o loading and were measured according to standard test methods, e.g., TAPPI T220 or SCAN C28:76 (M 8:76).

-   -   Burst strength: Messemer Buchnel burst tester according to SCAN         P 24.     -   Tensile strength: Testometrics tensile tester according to SCAN         P 16.     -   Bendtsen porosity: Measured using a Bendtsen Model porosity         tester in accordance with SCAN P21, SCAN P60, BS 4420 and Tappi         UM 535.     -   Bulk: This is the reciprocal of the apparent density as measured         according to SCAN P7.     -   ISO Brightness: The ISO brightness of handsheets was measured by         means of an Elrepho Datacolour 3300 brightness meter fitted with         a No. 8 filter (457 nm wavelength), according to ISO 2470: 1999         E.     -   Opacity: The opacity of a sample of paper is measured by means         of an Elrepho Datacolor 3300 spectra-photometer using a         wavelength appropriate to opacity measurement. The standard test         method is ISO 2471. First, a measurement of the percentage of         the incident light reflected is made with a stack of at least         ten sheets of paper over a black cavity (Rinfinity). The stack         of sheets is then replaced with a single sheet of paper, and a         second measurement of the percentage reflectance of the single         sheet on the black cover is made (R). The percentage opacity is         then calculated from the formula: Percentage         opacity=100×R/Rinfinity.

TABLE 2 Burst Burst Tensile Tensile Bendtsen Index strength index strength porosity Bulk Brightness % Opacity Filler Nm g⁻¹ % unfilled Nm g⁻¹ % unfilled cm³ min⁻¹ cm³ g⁻¹ F8 F10 Unfilled 54 100 59.5 100 790 1.64 84.9 74.0 Ex. 1 11 21.0 14 26.0 1900 1.53 90.6 89.0 Ex. 2 18 31.0 24 40.5 1490 1.51 89.3 88.1 Ex. 3 15 28.0 23 39.0 1490 1.49 89.0 88.1

TABLE 3 Burst Burst Tensile Tensile Bendtsen Index strength index strength porosity Bulk Brightness % Opacity Filler Nm g⁻¹ % unfilled Nm g⁻¹ % unfilled cm³ min⁻¹ cm³ g⁻¹ F8 F10 Unfilled 55.5 100 63 100 650 1.59 85.5 73.7 Ex. 1 9.5 17.5 15 25.0 2250 1.55 90.7 88.9 Ex. 4 15 26.0 22.5 35.0 700 1.46 90.5 88.5 Ex. 5 16 30.0 23 35.0 500 1.44 90.1 88.9 Ex. 6 16 30.0 24 39.0 400 1.45 89.7 89.4

Example 8

4 dry kg of a kaolin filler, Intramax® 57, was dispersed in 6000 cm³ water using a high energy mixer. The pH was 4.8. This was used as a stock suspension for further experiments. The particle size distribution was measured (using a Micromeritics Sedigraph®) and gave values of 57 wt % <2 μm, and 38 wt % <1 μm.

Example 9

2 kg of the above stock suspension of kaolin was processed for 5 passes through a Manton Gaulin (APV) homogeniser at a pressure of 500 bar. The resulting product was used as a control in further papermaking tests. The particle size distribution was measured (using a Micromeritics Sedigraph®) and gave values of 62 wt % <2 μm, and 43 wt % <1 μm.

Example 10

A further 2 kg of the stock kaolin suspension was placed on a high energy mixer. A suspension of bleached softwood pulp was beaten on a Valley beater to a CSF of 520 cm³ and this was filtered on a standard consistency tester to give a wet sheet at 15% dry solids. 133.5 g of this wet pulp was added to the kaolin suspension and stirred until the fibres were well mixed with the kaolin, to give a level of 2.5 wt % dry pulp on dry kaolin. 440 cm³ of water was also added to improve flowability. This suspension at 33 wt % solids was then passed through the Gaulin homogeniser under the same conditions as Example 9. The particle size distribution of the product was measured (using a Micromeritics Sedigraph®) and gave values of 62 wt % <2 μm, and 45 wt % <1 μm.

Example 11

The procedure described in Example 10 was repeated, this time adding 267 g wet pulp to 2 kg stock kaolin suspension, to give a level of 5 wt % dry pulp on dry kaolin. The suspension was also diluted to about 30 wt % solids with 440 cm³ water, and the suspension processed through the homogeniser using the same conditions as Examples 9 and 10. The particle size distribution was measured (using a Micromeritics Sedigraph®) and gave values of 58.5 wt % <2 μm, and 42 wt % <1 μm.

Example 12—Evaluation of the Products as Fillers in Paper

The products prepared according to the above examples were tested as fillers in paper handsheets. A batch of bleached chemical softwood pulp was used which was beaten in a Valley beater to give a CSF of 520 cm³. After disintegration and dilution to 2% thick stock, the fibre was further diluted to 0.3 wt % consistency for sheet making. Filler slurry was added together with retention aid (Ciba Percol 292, 0.02 wt % on furnish). Handsheets were made to a basis weight of 80 gm⁻² using a British handsheet mold.

The retention values of the fillers are listed below in Table 4, and show that the co-processed fillers have superior retention to the control filler.

TABLE 4 First pass retention values Ex. 9 control Ex. 10 co-processed Ex. 11 co-processed 54% 66% 71%

A sheet making study was performed and the results are given in Table 5 below. Paper properties are interpolated at 30 wt % loading.

TABLE 5 Tensile Tensile Bendtsen PPS index strength porosity Bulk Roughness Brightness % Opacity Filler Nmg⁻¹ % unfilled cm³ min⁻¹ cm³ g⁻¹ 1000 kPa F8 F10 Unfilled 64 100 785 1.58 10.0 85.5 72.8 Ex. 9 20 31.0 755 1.48 8.4 82.2 91.9 Ex. 10 24 39.0 610 1.47 8.6 82.2 91.9 Ex. 11 30 46.0 780 1.50 9.0 82.2 91.9

Example 13

400 g of unrefined bleached softwood kraft pulp (Botnia Pine RM90) was soaked in 20 litres of water for 6 hours, then slushed in a mechanical mixer. The stock so obtained was then poured into a laboratory Valley beater and refined under load for 28 mins to obtain a sample of refined pulps beaten to 525 cm³ Canadian standard Freeness (CSF). A second sample was prepared by slushing but not refining at all. The freeness results and refining times are given in Table 6 below:

TABLE 6 Refining Conditions Refining time, mins CSF, cm² Pulp Sample A 0 705 Sample B 28 525

Each of these pulps were then dewatered using a consistency tester (Testing Machines Inc.) to obtain a pad of wet pulp at between 13 and 18 wt % solids. This was then used in co-grinding experiments as detailed below:

630 g of a slurry of ground marble having a particle size (measured by Sedigraph) of 60% <2 μm e.s.d was weighed into a grinding vessel. The dry weight was 233 g. Wet pulp from the dewatering stage described above was added to give 11.6 g (dry weight) of pulp. The pulp was thoroughly mixed with the mineral slurry and then 1485 g Carbolite® 16/20 media and required water added to give a media volume, concentration (MVC) of 50% and a slurry solids content of 35 wt %. The samples were ground at 1000 RPM until an energy input of 2500 and 5000 kWh/t (expressed on dry fibre) had been imparted to the samples. The vessel was then removed from the grinder and the media separated using a screen having an aperture size of 600 μm.

Products made from Pulp sample A (unrefined) and B (refined to 525 cm³) were compared using the Filter Paper Burst Increase (FPBI) test (as described below). The results are summarised in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Filter paper burst increase Pulp/energy Wt % fibre Fibre used during on product Fibre steepness(d₃₀/ FPBI Filler co-grinding by ash d₅₀ μm d₇₀ × 100) % Control Water only — — — 10.3 1 Pulp A 2500 4.3 98.6 28.7 25.2 kWh/t 2 Pulp A 5000 4.9 32.9 37.7 21.4 kWh/t 3 Pulp B 2500 5.0 80.0 31.7 20.0 kWh/t 4 Pulp B 5000 5.0 26.5 40.2 22.9 kWh/t

Filter Paper Burst Test

This test was developed to predict the fibre reinforcing ability of a co-ground slurries containing MFC prepared in accordance with Example 13 above.

15 cm diameter filter papers (No. 597, Schleicher & Schuell) were used. Sheets were selected by weight to be within 0.02 g of each other. A typical dry weight of a single sheet was 1.4 g.

A suspension of co-ground mineral and pulp was prepared as described above and diluted with water to a solids of 0.25%. A single filter paper selected above was wetted with water and placed on the wire of a standard consistency testing apparatus (TMI Testing Machines Inc., Ronkonkoma, N.Y.). Aliquots of the suspension from 150 cm³, 200 cm³, 250 cm³ and 300 cm³ were carefully filtered using applied vacuum through the filter paper and the filtrates, if cloudy, re-passed through the mat to ensure good retention of the active components. The filter paper and its retained solids was then dried at 50% RH and 23° C. supported on steel drying discs and separated by plastic drying rings (Testing Machines Inc.).

The dried papers were tested for burst strength using a Messemer Buchel automatic burst tester. 5 measurements were obtained on each sheet and averaged. The sheets were then dried at 100° C. for 1 hour, placed in a sealed tared container, and weighed to 3 dp. A plot was constructed of sheet weight against burst pressure, from which the burst pressure at a weight of 2.0 g was interpolated {a kPa). The mean burst pressure of the filter paper itself {b kPa) was also measured on 3 selected sheets, conditioned under the same temperature and humidity. The increase in burst pressure was then calculated by the following equation:

Filter paper burst increase (FPBI)=(a−b)/b×100.

As a control, water only was passed through the filter paper disc. This also had a positive effect on burst, but significantly less than when MFC was present {see Table 7).

The samples produced above were additionally characterised in terms of their particle size using the Malvern Mastersizer {Malvern Instruments, UK). The results are recorded in terms of the mean (d₅₀) sizes of the pulp fractions. The particle size steepness of the fibre fraction was also recorded. These data are also listed in Table 7.

Samples made from Pulps A and B were further compared in a handsheet study. The host pulp for these fillers was prepared from the same Botnia RM90 batch beaten to a CSF of 520 cm³, similar to Sample B. Retention aid was Percol 292 (Ciba) added at 0.06 wt % on total furnish solids. Handsheets were prepared at 80 gm⁻² and tested for burst and tensile strength, bulk, Bendtsen porosity, reflectance at 457 nm (ISO brightness), and opacity. 3 loadings were obtained and results are interpolated to a loading level of 30 wt % (see Table 8). Filler designations refer to Table 7.

The results in Table 8 show that the co-ground fillers give increased strength, reduced porosity and increased opacity without detriment to the brightness, all desirable properties. The increase in strength is sufficient to allow the loading of filler to be increased from 25 wt % using standard GCC filler to 33 wt % with co-ground filler.

TABLE 8 Handsheet results Burst Tensile Bendsten index index porosity Bulk Brightness % Opacity Filler Nmg⁻¹ Nmg⁻¹ cm³ min⁻¹ cm³ g⁻¹ F8 F10 Unfilled 65.4 64.9 481 1.51 86.4 72.5 Control 13.5 19.5 1500 1.525 90.8 88.2 60-2 μm GCC 1 19.5 25.5 510 1.43 91.0 89.1 2 19 25 420 1.40 90.9 89.1 3 18.5 28.5 340 1.41 91.0 89.4 4 17.5 25.5 390 1.41 91.0 89.9

Example 14

400 g of unrefined bleached softwood kraft pulp (Botnia Pine RM90) was soaked in 20 litres of water for 6 hours, then slushed in a mechanical mixer. The stock so obtained was then poured into a laboratory Valley beater and refined under load for 28 mins to obtain a sample of refined pulp beaten to 525 cm³ Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF). The pulp was then dewatered using a consistency tester (Testing Machines Inc.) to obtain a pad of wet pulp at 19.1 wt % solids. This was then used in co-grinding experiments as detailed below:

651 g of a slurry of Carbital 60HS™ (solids 77.9 wt %) was weighed into a grinding pot. 66.5 g of wet pulp was then added and mixed with the carbonate. 1485 g of Carbolite® 16/20 grinding media was then added followed by 147 g water to give a media volume concentration of 50%. The mixture was ground together at 1000 rpm until an energy input of 10,000 kWh/t (expressed on fibre) had been expended. The product was separated from the media using a 600 μm BSS screen. The solids content of the resulting slurry was 59.4 wt % and a Brookfield viscosity (100 rpm) of 10,000 mPa·s. The fibre content of the product was analysed by ashing at 450° C. and the size of the mineral and pulp fractions measured using a Malvern Mastersizer.

Example 15

352 g of a slurry of Carbital 60HS™ (solids 77.9 wt %) was weighed into a grinding pot. 71.8 g of wet pulp was then added and mixed with the carbonate. 1485 g of Carbolite 16/20 grinding media was then added followed by 296 g water to give a media volume concentration of 50%. The mixture was ground together at 1000 rpm until an energy input of 10,000 kWh/t (expressed on fibre) had been expended. The product was separated from the media using a 600 μm BSS screen. The solids content of the resulting slurry was 41.9 wt % and a Brookfield 100 rpm viscosity of 5000 mPa·s. The fibre content of the product was analysed by ashing at 450° C. and the size of the mineral and pulp fractions measured using a Malvern Mastersizer.

Example 16

287 g of a slurry of Carbital 60HS™ (solids 77.9 wt %) was weighed into a grinding pot. 87.9 g of wet pulp was then added and mixed with the carbonate. 1485 g of Carbolite 16/20 grinding media was then added followed by 311 g water to give a media volume concentration of 50%. The mixture was ground together at 1000 rpm until an energy input of 10,000 kWh/t (expressed on fibre) had been expended. The product was separated from the media using a 600 μm BSS screen. The solids content of the resulting slurry was 36.0 wt % and a Brookfield 100 rpm viscosity of 7000 mPa·s. The fibre content of the product was analysed by ashing at 450° C. and the size of the mineral and pulp fractions measured using a Malvern Mastersizer.

TABLE 9 Physical properties of pigments Mean Mean GCC GCC steepness fibre size Wt % fibre Filler size, d₅₀, μm (d₃₀/d₇₀ × 100) d₅₀, μm in product Carbital 60HS 1.49 28.1 — 0 Carbital 90HS 0.86 35.6 — 0 Carbopaque 90 0.78 40.6 — 0 Ex 14 0.95 35.0 13.6 3.3 Ex 15 0.69 40.2 10.1 5.6 Ex 16 0.68 42.5 10.9 8.1

Table 9 shows that, in addition to grinding the fibre to a fine particle size, the fineness and psd steepness of the GCC was also increased to match those of the finer control pigments, Carbital 90™ and Carbopaque 90™.

The references and co-ground pigments described above were made into coating colours and a coating study carried out according to the following examples.

Example 17 (Control)

129 g of Carbital 60HS(=100 g dry) were weighed into a beaker, mixed using a laboratory stirrer, and 14 g of a 50% suspension of styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile latex (DL920, Dow Chemical) added to give a binder dose of 7 parts latex per hundred of calcium carbonate (pph). 0.3 dry g of carboxymethyl cellulose (Finnfix 10, CP Kelco) was then added as a 12% solution, followed by 0.5 g of a solution of optical brightening agent (Blankophor P, Kemira). The pH was adjusted to 8.7 using NaOH. A second colour was prepared using an increased latex dose of 9 pph.

Example 18 (Control)

129.7 g of Carbital 90HS(=100 g dry) were weighed into a beaker, mixed using a laboratory stirrer, and 16 g of a 50% suspension of styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile latex (DL920, Dow Chemical) added to give a binder dose of 8 parts latex per hundred of calcium carbonate (pph). 0.3 dry g of carboxymethyl cellulose (FinnflX 10, CP Kelco) was then added as a 12% solution, followed by 0.5 g of a solution of optical brightening agent (Blankophor P, Kemira). The pH was adjusted to 8.9 using NaOH. A second colour was prepared using an increased latex dose of 10 pph.

Example 19 (Control)

139 g of Carbopaque 90 (=100 g dry) were weighed into a beaker, mixed using a laboratory stirrer, and 16 g of a 50% suspension of styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile latex (DL920, Dow Chemical) added to give a binder dose of 8 parts latex per hundred of calcium carbonate (pph). 0.3 dry g of carboxymethyl cellulose (Finnfix 10, CP Kelco) was then added as a 12% solution, followed by 0.5 g of a solution of optical brightening agent (Blankophor P, Kemira). The pH was adjusted to 8.6 using NaOH. A second colour was prepared using an increased latex dose of 10 pph.

Example 20 (Control)

129.7 g of Carbital 90HS(=100 g dry) were weighed into a beaker, and 2.5 g of a commercially available powdered cellulose of 1000 nm average particle size (manufacturer's value) intended for paper coating (Arbocel MF40, J. Rettenmaier & Sohne, Holzmuhle, Germany), was added with mixing using a laboratory stirrer. When the powder had been fully dispersed, 15 g of a 50% suspension of styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile latex (DL920, Dow Chemical) was added to give a binder dose of 7.5 parts latex per hundred of calcium carbonate (pph). 0.3 dry g of carboxymethyl cellulose (FinnflX 10, CP Kelco) was then added as a 12% solution, followed by 0.5 g of a solution of optical brightening agent (Blankophor P, Kemira). The pH was adjusted to 8.6 using NaOH.

Example 21

173.4 g of the product prepared according to Ex 14 (=103 g dry) were weighed into a beaker, mixed using a laboratory stirrer, and 14 g of a 50% suspension of styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile latex (DL920, Dow Chemical) added to give a binder dose of 7 parts latex per hundred of dry calcium carbonate (pph). 0.3 dry g of carboxymethyl cellulose (FinnflX 10, CP Kelco) was then added as a 10% solution, followed by 0.5 g of a solution of optical brightening agent (Blankophor P, Kemira). The pH was adjusted to 8.8 using NaOH. A second colour was prepared using an increased latex dose of 9 pph.

Example 22

250.6 g of the product prepared according to Ex 15 (=105 g dry) were weighed into a beaker, mixed using a laboratory stirrer, and 14 g of a 50% suspension of styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile latex (DL920, Dow Chemical) added to give a binder dose of 7 parts latex per hundred of dry calcium carbonate (pph). 0.3 dry g of carboxymethyl cellulose (Finnfix 10, CP Kelco) was then added as a 10% solution, followed by 0.375 g of a solution of optical brightening agent (Blankophor P, Kemira). The pH was adjusted to 8.6 using NaOH. A second colour was prepared using an increased latex dose of 9 pph.

The colours were coated onto a mechanical basepaper of substance 70 gm·2 using a laboratory web coater (Dow coater) with blade metering. The coat weight was adjusted by diluting the colour until the highest coat weight was obtained, subsequently increasing the blade load to reduce the coat weight. Paper samples were produced having coat weight values from about 8 gm·2 to 12 gm⁻². The speed was about 10 m min⁻¹.

The coated paper samples were then cut into strips and conditioned for 24 hours at 50% RH and 23° C. before testing for brightness using a Datacolor Elrepho 3300 spectrophotometer. Reflectance measurements were made at 457 nm with and without the UV component in the incident light beam. The difference between the reflectance values with and without UV is recorded as the fluorescence. The smoothness of the coated papers was measured by an air leak method using a Parker Print Surf instrument at a pressure of 1000 kPa. Each of the values was plotted against the coat weight as measured by ash. The results were then interpolated to a common coat weight of 10 gm⁻² and tabulated in Table 11.

TABLE 10 Coating colour properties Latex Solids Brookfield 100 rpm level pph wt % viscosity, mPa · s Ex 17 7 50.0 52 9 49.2 52 Ex 18 8 50.0 62 10 42.7 86 Ex 19 8 50.1 67 10 49.9 69 Ex 20 7.5 45.8 67 Ex 21 7 45.0 1008 9 44.9 928 Ex 22 7 38.2 1444 9 38.3 1280

TABLE 11 Paper properties at 10 gm⁻² PPS Latex Brightness + Fluorescence Smoothness level pph UV % % 1000 kPa μm Ex 17 7 79.3 2.2 7.5 9 79.5 2.3 7.6 Ex 18 8 79.5 2.4 7.8 10 79.2 2.4 7.7 Ex 19 8 80.6 2.3 7.2 10 80.5 2.2 7.2 Ex 20 7.5 80.4 3.1 7.6 Ex 21 7 83.0 4.9 6.7 9 82.4 5.0 6.8 Ex 22 7 83.9 5.2 6.9 9 83.7 5.2 6.9

The results in Table 11 show that the invention gives increased brightness, fluorescence and increased smoothness.

Example 23

630 g of a slurry of ground marble having a particle size (measured by Sedigraph) of 60% <2 μm e.s.d was weighed into a grinding vessel. The dry weight was 233 g. 54 g of wet Eucalyptus pulp beaten to a CSF of 525 cm³ (see Table 12) were added, equivalent to 11.6 g dry weight. The pulp was thoroughly mixed with the mineral slurry and then 1485 g Carbolite 16/20 media and 16 cm³ water added. This equates to a media volume concentration (MVC) of 50% and a slurry solids content of 35 wt %. The samples were ground at 1000 RPM until an energy input of 2500 and 5000 kWh/t (expressed on dry fibre) had been imparted to the samples. The temperature reached 55° C. The vessel was then removed from the grinder and the media separated using a screen having an aperture size of 600 μm.

Example 24

The procedure described in Example 23 was repeated, this time using a bleached kraft softwood pulp (Botnia Pine RM90) beaten to 520 cm³ CSF.

Example 25

The procedure described in Example 23 was repeated, this time using a sample of disintegrated thermomechanical pulp having a CSF of 700 cm³.

Example 26

The procedure described in Example 23 was repeated, this time using a sample of Acacia pulp beaten to a CSF of 520 cm³.

Example 27

The procedure described in Example 23 was repeated, this time using a sample of hardwood (birch) pulp beaten to a CSF of 520 cm³.

The fibre reinforcing ability of co-ground slurries containing MFC prepared in accordance with Examples 23-27 above was determined using the filter paper burst test described above. Results are given in table 12 below.

The samples produced above were additionally characterised in terms of their particle size using the Malvern Mastersizer (Malvern Instruments, UK). The results are recorded in terms of the mean (d₅₀) sizes of the GCC and pulp fractions. The particle size steepness of the fibre fraction was also recorded. These data are also listed in Table 12.

These results show that all the pulp types produce strength increases when subjected to co-grinding with GCC.

TABLE 12 Evaluation of the products using the filter paper test wt % fibre on mineral GCC Fibre Fibre FPBI % Example Pulp by ash d₅₀ μm d₅₀ μm steepness (d₃₀/d₇₀ × 100) Control Water only — — — — 10.3 23a Eucalyptus 4.6 1.55 54.0 37.8 23.0 2500 kWh/t 23b Eucalyptus 4.7 1.3 21.5 40.0 22.2 5000 kWh/t 24a TMP 5.4 1.55 44.0 32.8 17.0 2500 kWh/t 24b TMP 6.0 1.4 18.5 38.1 26.4 5000 kWh/t 25a Pine 5.0 1.6 75.0 33.2 20.0 2500 kWh/t 25b Pine 5.3 1.4 29.0 37.3 21.3 5000 kWh/t 26a Acacia 5.3 1.5 54.5 39.3 16.0 2500 kWh/t 26b Acacia 6.3 1.3 23.0 40.1 21.8 5000 kWh/t 27a Birch 5.0 1.55 56.5 36.0 21.0 2500 kWh/t 27b Birch 4.6 1.15 17.0 37.8 25.5 5000 kWh/t

Example 28

400 g of unrefined bleached softwood kraft pulp (Botnia Pine RM90) was soaked in 20 litres of water for 6 hours, then slushed in a mechanical mixer. The stock so obtained was then poured into a laboratory Valley beater and refined under load for 28 mins to obtain a sample of refined pulp beaten to 525 cm³ Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF).

The pulp was then dewatered using a consistency tester (Testing Machines Inc.) to obtain a pad of wet pulp at 19.1 wt % solids. This was then used in grinding experiments as detailed below.

Example 29

584 g of a slurry of ground marble having a particle size (measured by Sedigraph) of 60% <2 μm e.s.d was weighed into a grinding vessel. The dry weight was 231 g. Wet pulp from the dewatering stage described above (Example 28) was added to give 11.6 g (dry weight) of pulp. The pulp was thoroughly mixed with the mineral slurry and then 1485 g Carbolite 16/20 media and required water added to give a media volume concentration (MVC) of 50% and a slurry solids content of 35 wt %. The sample was ground at 1000 RPM until an energy input of 2500 kWh/t and 5000 kWh/t (expressed on dry fibre) had been imparted to the samples. The vessel was then removed from the grinder and the media separated using a screen having an aperture size of 600 μm. The fibre content of the product was analysed by ashing at 450° C. and the size of the mineral and pulp fractions measured using a Malvern Mastersizer (see Table 13).

Example 30

176 g of a slurry of ground marble having a particle size (measured by Sedigraph) of 60% <2 μm e.s.d was weighed into a grinding vessel. The dry weight was 65 g. Wet pulp from the dewatering stage described above was added to give 8.5 g (dry weight) of pulp. The pulp was thoroughly mixed with the mineral slurry and then 1485 g Carbolite 16/20 media and required water added to give a media volume concentration (MVC) of 50% and a slurry solids content of 12.5 wt %. The samples were ground at 1000 RPM until an energy input of 3750 and 5000 kWh/t (expressed on dry fibre) had been imparted to the samples. The vessel was then removed from the grinder and the media separated using a screen having an aperture size of 600 μm. The fibre content of the product was analysed by ashing at 450° C. and the size of the mineral and pulp fractions measured using a Malvern Mastersizer (see Table 13).

TABLE 13 GCC modal particle Fibre wt % fibre Filler size, μm d₅₀, μm in product Control 60-2 μm 2.72 — 0 GCC Ex 29 2500 kW 2.1  66.5 4.5 Ex 29 5000 kW 1.73 26   4.7 Ex 30 3750 kW 1.61 65   11.7 Ex 30 5000 kW 1.41 42   11.7

Example 31

Handsheet Evaluation

Samples made in Examples 29 and 30 were compared in a handsheet study. The control filler was the same 60% <2 μm ground marble used in the grinding experiments. The host pulp for these fillers was prepared from the same Botnia RM90 batch beaten to a CSF of 520 cm³. Retention aid was Percol 292 (Ciba) added at 0.06 wt % on total furnish solids. Handsheets were prepared at 80 gm⁻² and tested for burst and tensile strength, bulk, Bendtsen porosity, reflectance at 457 nm (ISO brightness), and opacity. Three loadings were obtained and results (Table 14) interpolated to a loading level of 30 wt %.

TABLE 14 Handsheet results Burst Tensile Bendsten index index porosity Bulk cm³ Brightness % Opacity Filler Nm g⁻¹ Nm g⁻¹ cm³ min⁻¹ g⁻¹ F8 F10 Unfilled 57.6 59.8 757 1.57 86.8 74.1 Control 13.0 18.5 1800 1.53 91.6 88.0 60-2 μm GCC Ex 29 18.0 23.5 500 1.45 91.5 89.1 2500 kW Ex 29 17.0 21.5 650 1.42 91.4 89.1 5000 kW Ex 30 24.0 27.5 130 1.40 91.4 90.2 3750 kW Ex 30 25.0 27.5 130 1.38 91.3 90.2 5000 kW

The above results show that the co-ground fillers give increased strength, reduced porosity and increased opacity without detriment to the brightness, all desirable properties. Using fillers from Example 30 containing 11.7% co-ground fibre, the increase in strength is sufficient to allow the loading of filler to be increased from wt % using standard GCC filler to 40 wt % without loss of burst strength.

Example 32

321 g of a 72 wt % slurry of filler kaolin (WP, Imerys) was weighed into a grinding pot. 105.9 g of wet unbleached North American kraft pine pulp at 10.9 wt % solids was then mixed in together with an additional 266 cm³ water. 1485 g Carbolite 16/20 media was added and the mixture ground at 1000 rpm using a work input of 250 kWh/I expressed on dry mineral+pulp. The fibre content of the dry product after separation on a 700 μm screen was 3.9 wt % on the mineral measured by ignition at 950° C. The mean particle size (d₅₀) of the fibre was estimated at 83 μm using a Malvern Mastersizer.

Example 33

206 g of a 72 wt % slurry of filler kaolin (WP. Imerys) was weighed into a grinding pot. 108.7 g of wet unbleached North American kraft pine pulp at 10.9 wt % solids was then mixed in together with an additional 326 cm³ water. 1485 g Carbolite 16/20 media was added and the mixture ground at 1000 rpm using a work input of 400 kWh/I expressed on mineral+pulp. The fibre content of the dry product after separation on a 700 μm screen was 6.2 wt %. The mean particle size (d₅₀) of the fibre was estimated at 95 μm using a Malvern Mastersizer.

The host pulp for this study was the same batch of unbleached North American kraft pine pulp used in Examples 32 and 33. This was used as received from the manufacturer, diluting with water as required. Retention aid was Percol 292 (Ciba) added at 0.14 wt % on total furnish solids.

Handsheets were made at a target weight of 160 gm·2 with a target filler loading of 5 wt %. The sheets were pressed twice, and dried using a heated drum dryer, and conditioned for 12 hours at 50% RH and 23 C. A sample of the WP kaolin slurry was used as the control.

The sheets were tested for tensile strength, and clay content by ash. The results are set forth in Table 15 below:

TABLE 15 Linerboard results Loading Tensile index Filler wt % (Nm g⁻¹) Unfilled 0 33.0 WP control 4.4 23.1 Ex 32 3.9 31.1 Ex 33 3.7 29.4

The above results show that the co-ground kaolin filler has considerably less weakening effect than unmodified kaolin in linerboard furnishes based on unbleached kraft pulp.

Example 34

400 g of unrefined bleached softwood kraft pulp was soaked in 20 litres of water for 6 hours, then slushed in a mechanical mixer. The stock so obtained was then poured into a laboratory Valley beater and refined under load for 28 mins to obtain a sample of refined pulps beaten to 525 cm³ Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF).

The pulp were then dewatered using a consistency tester (Testing Machines Inc.) to obtain a pad of wet pulp at between 13 and 18 wt % solids. This was then used in co-grinding experiments as detailed below:

Example 35

750 g of dry English kaolin (Intramax 60) was made into a slurry by mixing with 540 cm³ water and 1.9 g of a 40% solution of polyacrylate dispersant (Accumer 9300, Rohm & Haas). The pH was adjusted to 7 using NaOH, and the final solids was 57.2 wt %. The slurry was then transferred to a grinding pot and 37.5 dry g of the wet pulp prepared above (Example 34) mixed with it. The pH was adjusted to 9 with NaOH and 1500 g of Carbolite 16/20 grinding media added. The mix was ground together for 60 minutes with addition of water as required to maintain fluidity. After 60 minutes the temperature reached 55° C. The ground product was then separated from the media using screen of 700 μm aperture. The energy input was measured at 147 kWh/t, final solids was 45.8 wt %, pH 9.2, and the dry product had a fibre content of 4.95 wt % expressed on total product. The modal particle size of the fibre component was measured using a Malvern Mastersizer at 44 μm (e.s.d).

Example 36

750 dry g of Intramax 60 was weighed into a grinding pot as a 57 wt % slurry as prepared above (Example 34). 37.5 dry g of the wet pulp was added and the pH was then adjusted to 4.0 using 10% orthophosphoric acid. 1500 g Carbolite 16/20 media was then added and the mix ground for 60 mins, after which time the temperature had reached 54° C. The work input was 140 kWh/t. The slurry was separated as before and the final solids was 42 wt %. The pH was 5.3. The fibre content of the product was measured at 4.0 wt %. Surprisingly, the modal particle size of the fibre component was measured using a Malvern Mastersizer at 0.50 μm (e.s.d), almost an order of magnitude finer than at pH 9. This unexpected observation suggests that grinding under acid conditions is much more effective than under alkaline conditions.

Example 37

750 g dry marble flour was placed into a grinding pot with 400 cm³ water and ground for 57 minutes with a work input of 120 kWh/t. The product was shown to have 58 wt % of particles <2 μm esd, by Sedigraph. 37.5 dry g of wet pulp (as prepared in Example 34) was then mixed and the grind continued for a further 2 hours with the addition of 800 cm³ further water and the expenditure of a further 313 kWh/t. The final temperature was 74° C., solids 37.4 wt %, and the fibre content of the dry product after separation on a 700 μm screen was 4.4 wt %. The modal particle size of the fibre was estimated at 50 μm using a Malvern Mastersizer.

Example 38

750 dry g of Optical HB (scalenohedral PCC) as a 34% solids slurry was mixed with 37 g dry wt of wet pulp (as prepared in Example 34) and 200 cm³ of water and 1500 g Carbolite 16/20 media added. The mixture was ground for 1 hour, using 154 kWh/t. The final temperature was 53° C. and after separation of the media the slurry had a solids content of 41 wt % and the dried product had a fibre content of 5.3 wt %. The modal particle size of the fibre component was between 100 and 200 μm by Malvern Mastersizer.

Example 39

Newsprint Study

These fillers were further compared in a handsheet study. The host pulp for these fillers was prepared by slushing a Northern European thermo-mechanical pulp sample. Since the pulp as received had a CSF of 50 cm³, no further refining was done. Retention aid was Percol 292 (Ciba) added at 0.02 wt % on total furnish solids. Handsheets were prepared at 50 gm−2 and tested for burst and tensile strength, bulk, Bendtsen porosity, reflectance at 457 nm (ISO brightness), and opacity. Three loadings were obtained and the results (see Table 16) are interpolated to a loading level of 10 wt %.

These results show that the co-ground fillers, especially with Intramax, give increased strength, and reduced porosity, all desirable properties, compared to the control fillers. Brightness and opacity are only slightly reduced. With Intramax, the increase in strength is sufficient to allow the loading of filler to be increased from 0 wt % to at least 8 wt % with co-ground filler without loss of strength. The filled paper would have lower porosity, and increased brightness and opacity.

TABLE 16 Handsheet results: newsprint, 10 wt % filler loading Burst Tensile Bendsten index index porosity Bulk cm³ Brightness % Opacity Filler Nm g⁻¹ Nm g⁻¹ cm³ g⁻¹ g⁻¹ F8 F10 Unfilled 26.4 41.6 63 1.95 71.1 81.6 Control 20.5 38.0 60 1.87 72.7 85.7 Intramax Ex 35 24.0 41.0 46 1.84 71.8 85.2 Ex 36 24.5 40.0 46 1.85 71.5 85.4 Control 19.0 32.0 98 1.95 75.3 86.8 GCC Ex 37 20.0 35.5 88 1.93 74.8 86.5 Control 19.9 33.3 153 2.00 75.7 87.6 OCHB Ex 38 21.0 35.5 90 1.93 75.8 88.0

Example 40

Supercalendered Magazine Paper Study

A handsheet study was carried using the same pulp as in the newsprint study. The time sheets were made at 55 gm−2, with filler loadings covering the range from 30 to 40 wt %. Due to the higher loadings, the retention aid dose was increased to 0.07 wt % Percol 292. Handsheets were tested for burst and tensile strength, bulk, Bendtsen porosity, reflectance at 457 nm (ISO brightness), and opacity. Three loadings were obtained and the results (see Table 17) are interpolated to a loading level of 32 wt %.

TABLE 17 Handsheet results: SC magazine, 32 wt % filler loading Burst Tensile Bendsten index index porosity Bulk Brightness % Opacity Filler Nm g⁻¹ Nm g⁻¹ cm³ g⁻¹ cm³ g⁻¹ F8 F10 Unfilled 25.6 45.2 59 1.95 70.4 82.3 Control 11.0 18.4 71 1.66 76.2 91.4 Intramax Ex 35 13.4 22.0 58 1.63 76.1 91.4 Ex 36 12.2 22.5 57 1.61 75.9 91.4 Control 11.1 17.2 210 1.74 79.8 89.9 GCC Ex 37 12.0 19.7 150 1.73 79.8 90.0

These results show that increased strength, reduced porosity, and similar brightness and opacity are obtained using co-ground fillers. In the case of Intramax, the loading could be increased from 30 wt % to at least 36 wt % without loss of strength, with reduced porosity and increased brightness and opacity.

Example 41

Handsheet Study

The host pulp for this study was a batch of bleached chemical kraft softwood pulp which was slushed at 2% consistency and beaten in a Valley beater to a CSF of 520 cm³. Retention aid was Percol 292 (Ciba) added at 0.02 wt % on total furnish solids.

Two sets of sheets were made using scalenohedral precipitated calcium carbonate (Optical HB, Imerys) at 25 (Set A) and 32 wt % (Set B) loading levels. A further set of sheets (Set C) were made at a loading of 25 wt % Optical HB+7 wt % of co-ground GCC from Example 37, so that the total loading was 32 wt %. A control set (Set D) was made at a loading 25 wt % Optical HB+7 wt % of a standard GCC of 60% <2 um. A final set (Set E) was made using a 50/50 blend of Optical HB and co-ground GCC from Example 37 so that the total loading was 31 wt %.

Handsheets were prepared at 80 gm⁻¹, pressed twice, and dried using a heated drum dryer, and conditioned for 12 hours at 50% RH and 23° C. The sheets were tested for tensile strength, bulk, Bendtsen porosity, reflectance at 457 nm (ISO brightness), and opacity. The results are set forth in the Table 18 below:

These results show that the co-ground GCC filler can be used to increase further the filler loading of PCC-filled sheets with lower loss in strength than if only PCC was used. At the higher loadings, optical properties are maintained and porosity is reduced without serious loss of bulk.

TABLE 18 PCC top up results Tensile Bendsten % Opacity index porosity Bulk Brightness F10 Filler Nm g⁻¹ cm³ g⁻¹ cm³ g⁻¹ F8 (80 gm⁻²) Unfilled 66.6 213 1.50 84.0 73.8 Set A 25.3% 29.4 1131 1.63 90.0 89.4 Optical HB Set B 31.7% 21.6 1420 1.62 90.8 90.7 Optical HB Set C 32.5% 25.0 992 1.57 90.8 90.8 OHB + Ex 37 Set D 31.6% 24.0 1123 1.58 90.8 90.6 OHB + Control GCC Set E 30.9% 26.2 824 1.53 90.5 90.2 50/50 OCB/Ex 37

Example 41

Samples were prepared using a laboratory vertical stirred media mill equipped with a cylindrical, un-baffled grinding vessel of internal diameter—14.5 cm. The mill was equipped with a vertical impeller having a circular cross section shaft of 1.8 cm diameter. The shaft was equipped with 4 impeller arms arranged in an X configuration at the bottom of the shaft. The impeller arms were of circular cross section and 1.8 cm diameter and were 6.5 cm long from shaft axis centreline to tip.

Grinding media (Carbolite, Carbo Ceramics Inc., USA) was of 16/20 mesh size and had specific gravity 2.7.

Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC) (Intracarb 60, IMERYS Minerals, Belgium) had a sedigraph particle size of 60% <2 μm.

Pulp was bleached kraft softwood (Botnia Pine RM90) beaten to 520 cm³ CSF.

Lab grinds were based on 1.5 kg of grinding media, 500/0 Media Volume Concentration (MVC), Pulp level of 5 wt. % of total solids, energy input 2500 kWM of pulp and impeller speed 1000 rpm. Grinds were performed in batch mode at a range of solids levels.

At the end of each grind the grinding chamber was removed from the mill and the contents removed. The grinding media was then separated from the product external to the mill.

The conditions for each grind and the resultant product properties are shown below in Table 19. The 8100 viscosity is the viscosity measured on a Brookfield viscometer (Brookfield Viscometers Ltd, Brookfield Technical Centre, Stadium Way, Harlow, Essex CM19 5GX, England) at 100 rpm.

TABLE 19 Filter paper Grinding B100 Pulp Fibre Modal fibre burst increase solids viscosity content d₅₀ particle size Fibre test (% increase Sample (wt. %) (mPas) (wt. %) (μm) (μm) steepness in burst) 1 35 9600 4.6  87 89 30 20 2 27.5 4500 4.6 — 96 28 17 3 22.5 1850 4.3 138 259 28 17 4 17.5 950 4.1 205 352 31 12 5 12.5 330 3.6 203 409 30 15

These data indicate:

-   -   The sample produced at the highest grinding solids has: the         highest viscosity, the highest pulp content, the finest MFC size         and the highest (best) filter paper burst increase test.     -   Samples produced at lower grinding solids have lower viscosity,         lower pulp content, coarser MFC size and lower filter paper         burst increase tests.     -   All of the samples have high viscosity compared to typical GCC         products where B100 viscosities of <200 mPas are typical.

Example 42

An attempt was made to produce a co-ground product in a full scale SMD equipped with a standard 250 urn screen (www.metso.com). The grinding media, GCC and pulp were the same as in Example 41 except that the pulp was unrefined. The grinding media charge was 5 tonnes. The operating conditions were also similar to those used in Example 41; 50% MVC, pulp level of 5 wt. % of total solids, energy input 2500 kWh/t of pulp and a variety of impeller rpm to give a similar tip speed to that of the lab mill. The grinds were performed in continuous open circuit mode.

Initially, grinding was attempted at 35 wt. % total solids as in Example 41. However, it was not possible to produce any product under these conditions. The high viscosity product would not flow through the screen and out of the mill. Instead the material built up in the mill. The grinding solids were lowered to less than 20 wt. % to obtain an acceptable flow through the mill and the products under these conditions did not show the same improvements in performance in paper as seen with the higher solids grinding.

For example, Sample 1 in Example 41 was produced in a lab batch grind (50% MVC, pulp level of 5% of total solids, energy input 2500 kWh/t of pulp and 1000 rpm impeller speed) at 35% solids. Samples 6 and 7 were produced in a full scale SMD equipped with a standard 250 μm screen under similar conditions except that the solids were lowered to <20% in order to achieve a flow through the mill.

TABLE 20 Modal fibre particle size Filler loading for Sample ID (um) Burst Index of 20 Nm/g 1 89 28 6 194 24 7 264 23.5 Lntracarb 60 — 20

These data show

-   -   Both the lab and full scale produced MFC allowed increased         filler loadings compared to the control.     -   However, the MFC produced in the lab batch grind at 35% solids         had finer fibre peak max and allowed a higher filler loading         than the sample produced in an SMD where the solids had to be         lowered to allow a flow through the mill     -   NB It was not possible to operate the SMD under the high solids         condition.

Example 43

Samples were prepared using a pilot scale vertical stirred media mill equipped with a cylindrical, grinding vessel of internal diameter—87 cm. The mill was equipped with a vertical impeller having a circular cross section shaft. The shaft was equipped with 4 impeller arms arranged in an X configuration at the bottom of the shaft. The impeller arms were of circular cross section and were 30 cm long from shaft axis centreline to tip.

The grinder was operated in batch mode. GCC and pulp were the same as in Example 41. Tests were performed at 50% MVC, and 39% solids with a pulp level of 5% of the total solids. The grinder rpm was 285. The pulp was unbeaten. Two sets of tests were performed. The first utilised 16/20 grinding media as in Example 41 and the second 3 mm media with the same density. The fibre d₅₀ and modal mineral particle size for both tests are shown in Table 21.

TABLE 21 Modal mineral Energy input Fibre d₅₀ (μm) particle size (μm) (kWh/t) 16/20 3 mm 16/20 3 mm 3750 73 61 1.61 1.94 5000 42 44 1.42 1.83 7500 15 27 1.01 1.61 10000 8 16 0.80 1.37

These data show that fibre grinding behavior was similar with coarser media especially at the lower energy inputs. However, mineral grinding was significantly reduced by use of the coarser media.

Example 44

These tests were performed in the same pilot grinder as was used in Example 43. GCC and pulp were the same as in Examples 41 and 42.

A sample was prepared in batch mode under the following conditions and with unbeaten pulp. Total solids 10%, pulp as percentage of total solids 20%; MVC 50%; 285 rpm; 3 mm media; Energy input 3500 kWh/t pulp. The resultant sample (sample 8) had a fibre d₅₀ of 102 μm.

In another test the same conditions were used but in this case the grinder was configured in recirculating batch mode with a 250 um screen. The flow rates were unacceptable because of the high viscosity of the product and no product was obtained.

In a further test a sample was prepared with the grinder configured in recirculating batch mode and a 1 mm screen was used and a high flow rate of 60 l/min was obtained. The resultant sample (sample 9) had a fibre d₅₀ of 107 μm.

The two samples were used in a handsheet evaluation using the same procedure as in Example 42. Results are summarized in Table 22.

TABLE 22 Filler loading Fibre for 30% of Sample ID Configuration d₅₀(μm) unfilled burst 8 Batch 102 54 9 Recirculating 107 50 batch Intracarb 60 — — 26

These data show that the use of coarse media and hence coarse screens allows the preparation of a co-ground product in a commercially viable, re-circulating batch (or continuous) configuration, despite the high viscosity of the product.

Example 45

Tests were performed in a pilot scale tower mill (Hosokawa Alpine model ANR 250). This is a vertical stirred media mill with an un-baffled cylindrical grinding chamber and a vertical impeller shaft equipped with a series of impeller rotor disks throughout its length. The mill is approximately two thirds filled with grinding media. In operation feed enters the mill at the bottom and passes through the grinding zone before rising to a quiescent zone where the grinding media starts to sediment away from the product. The product then exits the mill via a classifier wheel which serves to retain any further grinding media within the mill.

A co-ground product was prepared in an open circuit continuous configuration under the following conditions and with unbeaten pulp. Total solids 12.4 wt. %; pulp as percentage of total solids 20%; average MVC 22%; 500 rpm; 2-2.5 mm media of specific gravity about 6; Energy input 3200 kWh/t pulp. Flow rate into the mill 1.7 l/min

Initial attempts to run under these conditions were unsuccessful since the grinding media was carried over into the product. (An earlier attempt using 1 mm media failed as well also because of media carry over).

Subsequently a water addition of approx. 1 l/min was made immediately before the classifier wheel reducing the solids of the product exiting the mill to 8.1 wt %. Under these conditions all the media was retained in the mill.

The resultant sample (sample 10) had a fibre d₅₀ of 145 μm and a modal fibre particle size of 89 μm and was evaluated in a handsheet evaluation using the same procedure as in Example 42. Results are summarized in Table 23.

TABLE 23 Fibre Modal Fibre Filler loading d₅₀ particle size for 30% of Sample ID Configuration (μm) (μm) unfilled burst 10 Tower mill 145 89 49 with coarse dense media and water addition before classifier Intracarb 60 — — 25

These data show that the use of coarse dense media and water addition immediately before the classifier wheel in a tower mill allows the preparation of co-ground in a, commercially viable configuration despite the high viscosity of the product.

Example 46

Samples are prepared using a laboratory vertical stirred media mill equipped with a cylindrical, un-baffled grinding vessel of internal diameter—14.5 cm. The mill is equipped with a vertical impeller having a circular cross section shaft of 1.8 cm diameter. The shaft is equipped with 4 impeller arms arranged in an X configuration at the bottom of the shaft. The impeller arms are of circular cross section and 1.8 cm diameter and are 6.5 cm long from shaft axis centreline to tip.

Grinding media (Carbolite, Cart>o Ceramics Inc., USA) is 16/20 mesh size having a specific gravity of 2.7.

Pulp is bleached kraft softwood (Botnia Pine RM90) beaten to 520 cm³ CSF.

Lab grinds are based on 1.5 kg of grinding media, 50% Media Volume Concentration (MVC) which may be varied, pulp levels cover the consistency range up to 10 wt. %, Energy inputs of up to 20 000 kWh/t of pulp are investigated using an impeller speed of 1000 rpm. Grinds are performed in batch mode at a range of solids levels.

At the end of each grind the grinding chamber would be removed from the mill and the contents removed. The grinding media is separated from the product external to the mill.

The MFC products are characterised for particle size using a Malvern light scattering device, for B100 viscosity using a Brookfield viscometer (Brookfield Viscometers Ltd, Brookfield Technical Centre, Stadium Way, Harlow, Essex CM19 5GX, England) at 100 rpm and the paper performance evaluated using the filter paper burst increase test and the handsheet method of Example 7 except that no filler is used or else the filler is Intracarb 60 (Imerys, Belgium).

The expectation is that the MFC produced gives increased filter paper burst tests and stronger hand sheets. It is envisaged that higher consistency and higher energy processing favour finer MFC and that there may be an optimum MFC size for paper strength performance. The optimum performance will, likely, be obtained most efficiently by processing at high consistency.

Example 47

Samples are prepared using a pilot scale vertical stirred media mill equipped with a cylindrical, grinding vessel of internal diameter 87 cm. The mill is equipped with a vertical impeller having a circular cross section shaft. The shaft is equipped with 4 impeller arms arranged in an X configuration at the bottom of the shaft. The impeller arms are of circular cross section and are 30 cm long from shaft axis centreline to tip.

The grinder is operated in batch mode. Pulp is the same as in Example 46. Tests are performed under optimised conditions from Example 46. Grinder rpm is about 285. The pulp is unbeaten. Two sets of tests are performed. The first utilising 16/20 grinding media as in Example 46 and the second 3 mm media with the same density.

The MFC produced is characterised and evaluated using the method of Example 46.

It is envisaged that both grinding media would give similar psd MFC and that these MFC samples will allow production of handsheets with increased strength

Example 48

Tests are performed in the same pilot grinder as was used in Example 42. Pulp is the same as in Example 45. The grinding media is 3 mm.

A MFC sample is prepared in batch mode under the optimised conditions from Example 45. The MFC psd properties of the resultant sample will be determined.

In another test the same conditions would be used but in this case the grinder would be configured in recirculating batch mode with a 250 um screen. The flow rates would probably be unacceptable because of the high viscosity of the product and no product would be obtained.

In a further test a sample is prepared with the grinder configured in recirculating batch mode and a 1 mm screen is used and a high flow rate is expected.

The MFC produced is characterised and evaluated using the method of Example 45.

It is expected that the data will show that the use of coarse media and hence coarse screens allows the preparation of fine psd MFC at high consistency and low energy in a, commercially viable, re-circulating batch (or continuous), configuration despite the high viscosity of the product.

Example 49

Tests are performed in a pilot scale tower mill (Hosokawa Alpine model ANR 250). This is a vertical stirred media mill with an un-baffled cylindrical grinding chamber and a vertical impeller shaft equipped with a series of impeller rotor disks throughout its length.

The mill is approximately two thirds filled with grinding media. In operation, feed enters the mill at the bottom and passes through the grinding zone before rising to a quiescent zone where the grinding media starts to sediment away from the product. The product then exits the mill via a classifier wheel which serves to retain any further grinding media within the mill.

A MFC sample is prepared in an open circuit continuous configuration under the optimised conditions from Example 46 and with unbeaten pulp. 2-2.5 mm grinding media of specific gravity about 6 is used. Energy inputs in the range 2000-15000 kWh/t pulp would are used.

It is expected that initial attempts to run under these conditions would be unsuccessful due to the grinding media being carried over into the product because of the high viscosity of the MFC.

Subsequently a water addition is made immediately before the classifier wheel reducing the solids of the product exiting the mill to a level where the media is not carried over. Under these conditions all the media is retained in the mill.

The MFC produced is characterised and evaluated using the method of Example 46.

The resultant sample will have a fine fibre psd. Evaluations in hand sheets will indicate that the MFC produced gave increases in burst strength of the sheets.

These data indicate that the use of coarse dense media and water addition immediately before the classifier wheel in a tower mill allows the preparation of MFC in a, commercially viable configuration despite the high viscosity of the product.

Ultrasonic Treatment of MFC

Example 50

The effect of an ultrasonic bath on various microfibrillated cellulose and microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material product forms.

The first study was to investigate the effect of using a laboratory Fisher brand FB11005 ultrasonic water bath on various microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material product forms. The microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material product form was a 50 POP (percentage of pulp) IC60/Botnia (i.e., a 1:1 ratio) mixture of in the form of a slurry, belt pressed cake and a high solids dried 50 wt. % solids product. IC60 is a fine ground calcium carbonate available as Intracarb 60 from Imerys Minerals Limited. The samples were diluted to make a 20% POP (Percentage Of Pulp—The POP or Percentage of Pulp is the percentage of the dry weight of the sample that is pulp or fibrils rather than inorganic particulate material) suspension at 6.25 wt. % solids. Each sample was subjected to various times within the ultrasonic bath and then subjected to 1 minute on the laboratory Silverson mixer at 7500 rpm; subsequent FLT (Nm/g: measurement of tensile strength) and viscosity measurements were made.

The FLT index is a tensile test developed to assess the quality of microfibrillated cellulose and re-dispersed microfibrillated cellulose. The POP of the test material is adjusted to 20% by adding whichever inorganic particulate was used in the production of the microfibrillated cellulose/inorganic material composite (in the case of inorganic particulate free microfibrillated cellulose then 60 wt. %<2 um GCC calcium carbonate is used). A 220 gsm sheet is formed from this material using a bespoke Buchner filtration apparatus. The resultant sheet is conditioned and its tensile strength measured using an industry standard tensile tester.

FIG. 2 shows the effect upon the viscosity of the microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurries. It can be seen that within the first 5 minutes a small increase in the viscosity was observed. Tables 24-27 show strength properties of the microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material composition after ultrasonic bath treatment. It can be seen that the strength of the materials as measured by the FLT Index method have not changed significantly. The use of the ultrasonic bath for the re-dispersion of the microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material compositions for improvements in quality is not recommended. The low power input does not affect the strength properties but does influence the viscosity slightly.

TABLE 24 Slurry properties Time in US Viscosity FLT Index Sample bath mins mPas Nm/g 50 POP IC60/ 0 1820 9.4 Botnia slurry 1 1940 8.7 2 1920 8.6 3 1920 8.7 4 1820 8.5 5 1820 8.8 10 1660 8.9 20 1520 9.0

TABLE 25 Belt pressed cake properties Time in US Viscosity FLT Index Sample bath mins mPas Nm/g 50 POP IC60/Botnia 0 1240 7.7 belt press cake 1 1280 8.2 2 1360 8.2 3 1360 8.1 4 1360 8.5 5 1300 8.0 10 1320 7.4 20 1340 7.5

TABLE 26 High solids dried 50 wt % properties Time in Viscosity FLT Index Sample US bath mPas Nm/g 50 POP IC60/Botnia 0 1540 9.0 product @50% solids 1 1600 8.2 2 1660 9.1 3 1720 8.9 4 1700 9.1 5 1680 9.2 10 1480 9.0 20 1600 9.3

TABLE 27 High solids dried 60 wt % properties Time in Viscosity FLT index Sample US bath mPas Nm/g 50 POP IC60/Botnia 0 1100 6.8 product @ 60% solids 1 1220 7.3 2 1020 7.2 3 1100 6.7 4 1100 6.8 5 1180 6.7 10 1120 7.0 20 1100 6.9

Example 51

The effect of an ultrasonic probe on microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurry.

This experiment was to explore the effect that an ultrasonic probe has upon a microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurry. The ultrasonic probes used were “Sonics Vibracell VCX500 500 Watt model” with a “Probe horn CV33” and were used for the dispersion of mineral slurries prior to particle size measurement. The probe (horn) is specifically designed to operate at an amplitude of 40% but for this and further experiments it has been operated up to 100%.

The 50% POP IC60/Botnia (1:1 ratio) slurry at a total solids content of 1.7 wt. % was diluted to 20% POP with an IC60 ground calcium carbonate (70 wt. % solids) slurry. This made the total solids of the samples 4.24 wt. %.

The ultrasonic probe was immersed into the slurry and was subjected to various times of ultrasound at various amplitudes. FIGS. 3 and 4 highlight the increase in FLT Index (Nm/g: measurement of tensile strength) and viscosity. It can be seen in the figures that the higher the amplitude the greater the increase in tensile strength. At 100% amplitude a 20% increase in FLT Index can be achieved within 30 seconds compared to the original slurry. Compared to the original slurry a 33% increase within 2 minutes of applied ultrasound can be achieved. At the reduced amplitude of 65%, the increase in FLT Index was 14% after 2 minutes of ultrasound compared to the feed slurry.

Example 52

The effect of pulsed ultrasound on microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurry.

The ultrasonic probe can be operated in a continuous mode or pulsed mode. This experiment was to look at this effect. The microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurries were prepared as in Exp. 51, above and subjected to pulsed ultrasound. FIG. 5 shows that an increase in FLT Index can be made using the pulsed mode of operation. The use of the ultrasonic probe for the enhancement of the microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material improves product quality. The significant increase of the microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurry properties can be achieved preferably using a high amplitude and run in a continuous mode.

Example 53

The effect of ceramic grinding media on ultrasound efficiency within a microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurry.

The production of a microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material product is achieved by the wet attrition milling of cellulose and mineral in the presence of a ceramic grinding media. This experiment was performed to investigate the effect of an ultrasonic process with some of ceramic grinding media present. Slurries of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material as prepared in Examples 51 and 52, above were doped with 10 ceramic grinding media beads (˜3 mm size). The materials were subjected to various energy inputs at 100% amplitude. FIG. 6 shows that the presence of the media in the sample has no detrimental effect on the increase in FLT Index. The presence of the ceramic grinding media has no effect on the ultrasonic processing of the microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurry under these conditions.

Example 54

The effect of an ultrasonic probe microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, 50% POP belt pressed cake.

A 50% POP IC60/Botnia belt press cake was the feed material for this study. The belt pressed cake was diluted to 20% POP, 6.25 wt. % solids using IC60 ground calcium carbonate slurry. Samples were made and subjected to:

i) 1 minute of high shear mixing on the Silverson mixer: The control

ii) Various times of ultrasound at 100% amplitude.

FIG. 7 shows that the belt pressed cake can be re-dispersed in water using the ultrasonic probe and the control FLT Index can be achieved and surpassed.

Example 55

The effect of an ultrasonic probe on microfibrillated cellulose mineral free (no inorganic particulate material used in the fibrillation process) belt pressed cake.

To further explore the re-dispersion of a belt pressed cake, a mineral free version was evaluated. The belt pressed cake was diluted to 20% POP, 6.25 wt. % solids using IC60 ground calcium carbonate slurry. Samples were made and subjected to:

i) 1 minute of high shear mixing on the Silverson mixer: The control

ii) Various times of ultrasound at 100% amplitude.

FIG. 8 highlights once again that ultrasonics alone can achieve the sample properties that are produced with high shear mixing. High shear mixing combined with ultrasonics can yield an improved tensile strength.

Example 56

The effect of an ultrasonic probe on 60 wt. % a high solids dried microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurry.

A development product that is produced by drying a belt pressed cake was evaluated with the use of ultrasonics. This 50% POP IC60/Botnia 60 wt. % solids material requires 3 to 4 minutes of high shear Silverson mixing to achieve a FLT index of 9 Nm/g.

This Study Explored

i) The use of ultrasound as a pre cursor to high energy mixing

ii) The use of ultrasound as an additional aid to improve FLT values

FIG. 9 shows that the effects of the ultrasonic energy is more effective utilised post high shear mixing. FIG. 10 demonstrates the benefits of high shear mixing and ultrasonics combined. The use of ultrasonics is demonstrated to be an efficient way to re-disperse dried microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material product either with or without high shear mixing.

The results of Examples 50-56 show at least the following unexpected results of adding ultrasonic processing to microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material production:

-   -   A microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and         inorganic particulate material slurry's properties can be         substantially enhanced by ultrasonification if applied         preferably by a probe or an ultrasonic water bath     -   A higher amplitude yields a higher FLT Index     -   Ceramic contaminants within a microfibrillated cellulose or         microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material         slurry has no detrimental effect upon the ability of the         ultrasound to affect the slurry's properties beneficially     -   A microfibrillated cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose and         inorganic particulate material belt press cake is very amenable         to ultrasonics as a way to re-disperse it     -   Ultrasonics can either replace high shear re-dispersion or         enhance the procedure     -   Higher solid content materials can be re-dispersed using         ultrasonics.

Example 57

The following trials were carried out to evaluate the properties of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material that had been fibrillated and then dewatered, dried and pelletized to produce an approximate 50% solids concentration. The dried microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material composition was then made down to various fiber slurry concentrations between 07% and 3.4%. The fibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. (mineral) product was a 50% percentage of pulp (POP) aqueous composition produced by fibrillating a mixture of 50% POP Botnia pulp/ground calcium carbonate IC60 (i.e., a 1:1 wt. ratio) in the form of a slurry. The overall solids of the pelletized product used was 50 wt. %. The operating pressure for the sonication trials was varied from 0 to 4 bar pressure to determine the optimum pressure for sonication. The trials were carried out at different temperatures (20° C. to 50° C.) to determine the optimal process temperature. Cooling water at various flow rates was pumped into a flow cell cooling jacket and used to maintain the operating temperature at the required level.

The microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate materials slurry was subjected to grinding in a stirred media detritor. The slurry was screened using two screening stages through slotted screens of 250 microns and 120 microns, respectively. The microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurry was dewatered using a belt press followed by further drying in an air swept Atritor dryer & mill (available from Atritor Limited, 12 The Stampings, Blue Ribbon Park, Coventry, West Midlands, England). An Atritor mill is an air-swept mill or dryer having the capability to introduce a stream of hot air for drying and milling materials, in order to process and dry the microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material (e.g., calcium carbonate) composition utilized in the trials. Other equivalent air swept dryer and mills are known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The feed solids to the belt press was 2 wt. % of the 50 wt. % POP slurry. The feed solids to the Atritor dryer and mill was 30 wt. % at a bulk density of 0.5 kg/L. The inlet temperature of the Atritor mill was set at 150-170° C. and the outlet temperature of air was measured as 68-75° C. Product solids content of the dried microfibrillated and inorganic particulate material product was 50 wt. %. The dried material was thereafter fed into a Kahl pellet mill with an inlet and outlet temperature of 16° and thereby pelletized.

The ultrasonic unit used in the trials was a Hielscher UIP1000hd industrial scale ultrasonic processor available from Hielscher Ultrasonics GmbH (Oderstr. 53 D-14513 Teltow, Germany and 530 Ringwood Ave. Lembo & Gray Bldg. Wanaque, N.J. 07465, USA).

The test material was recirculated from a feed tank to the ultrasonic flow cell. The volume in the feed tank was 2.5 L. The flow rate during all trials was maintained at approximately 1.5 L/min. A progressive cavity pump was used for pumping. 250 ml samples were taken after 0, 1, 2, 4 and 10 minutes.

All samples collected from trials, which used made-down pelletized microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material as feed, were assessed for nibs using the TAPPI dirt count method. Nibs are agglomerates in the microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material tensile (FLT) sheet that would not have been broken down or de-agglomerated after processing.

Based on the recommendations from the ultrasonic supplier, all the trials were conducted using the largest booster (B4-2.2) and BS4d22 sonotrode.

Once the optimum pressure and temperature were identified, trials at different fiber solids, i.e. 0.7%, 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.3% were carried out. Thus, the optimum fiber solids for sonication were identified.

Example 58: Optimization Trials—Effect of Pressure

These trials were conducted using handmade-down pellets (low energy). The pellets were made using microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material dried in an air swept Atritor dryer and mill. The microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material was tested at 50% solids and 50% POP (Botnia pulp/ground calcium carbonate IC60). The objective was to re-disperse and de-agglomerate pelletized microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material (except where otherwise indicated) using sonication and to recover the product quality in terms of FLT index and nibs of the initial slurry product before being dewatered, dried and pelletized. The made down pellets were diluted to 6.6% total solids (3.3% fiber solids) and sonication trials were carried out in recirculation mode at the different pressures (0 to 4 bar). Results from these trials are presented in FIGS. 11A to C.

Overall FLT index did not show a significant difference when processing at higher pressures; but from a scaling point of view, it was important to ensure that the ultrasonic unit was drawing as much power as possible during the processing of microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material. The average power draw vs. processing time chart shows that the optimum pressure was 3 bar.

Example 59: Optimization Trials—Effect of Temperature

These trials were conducted using handmade-down pellets (low energy input). The made down pellets were diluted to 6.6% total solids (3.3% fiber solids) and sonication trials were carried out in recirculation mode at the different temperatures (20° C. to 50° C.). Processing temperature was controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the cooling water in the flow cell water jacket. Results from these trials are shown in FIGS. 12 A to C.

FLT index showed no significant difference at the different temperatures assessed. Operating at lower temperatures results in higher power draw from the ultrasonic unit, which is preferable. Therefore, it is was demonstrated that 20° C. is an optimal temperature when sonicating microfibrillated cellulose.

Example 60: Trials Using Product that has been Made Down Using a Laboratory High Shear Mixer

Pelletized microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, as described in Example 57, was made down using a laboratory Silverson high shear mixer. About 200 kWh/t of energy was used during the make down. Trials were carried out in recirculation mode. Unlike in previous trials the high shear product was not recirculated for 30 min before sonication trials began. The high shear product was sonicated at different fiber solids, see FIGS. 13A and B.

Similar to trials reported earlier, the optimum energy was about 2000 kWh/t. As depicted in FIGS. 13 A and B, sonicating at lower solids (0.7% and 1.5%) gave the best products in terms of FLT index and viscosity.

Example 61: Post Treatment Trials Using Continuous Ground Microfibrillated Cellulose and Inorganic Particulate Material Slurry

Microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurry was obtained pressure screening (i.e., never dewatered or dried product). Trials were carried out to determine the effectiveness of sonication in post treating microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurry after the grinding process. Data on the trials is presented in FIGS. 14 A to C.

There was an increase in FLT and viscosity in these trials, which is an indication of improved product quality. Processing at lower solids gives better products at a given energy input. The energy required to give acceptable product improvement is high, i.e., more than 1000 kWh/t, which makes ultrasonic technology more energy intensive in post treating microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material slurry, though product performance is enhanced.

Example 62: Post Treatment Trials Using Refiner Product

Pelletized microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, prepared in accordance with the procedures of Example 57, was made down using a pilot pulper and subsequently refined using a pilot refiner. The product from the refiner was collected and trials were carried out to investigate the effect of sonication. Trials were done at 3 solids levels—1.5%, 2.5% and 3.3% fiber solids. The data is reported in FIGS. 15 A to C.

Improvement in product quality was shown by the increase in FLT index and viscosity. The energy required to increase the FLT by 1.0 was about 2000 kWh/t. Post treatment of refiner product using sonication was very energy intensive.

Example 63: Post Treatment of Mineral Free Microfibrillated Cellulose and Mineral Free Microfibrillated Cellulose Subjected to an Additional Pass Through a Homogenizer as Well as an Ultrasonic Treatment Step

Mineral free (100% POP/Birch pulp microfibrillated cellulose was produced in a pilot stirred media detritor (Supermill) grinder using high density zirconia media (specific gravity of 6). The mineral free product, composed of mostly cellulose (organic matter) was passed through a pilot homogenizer to produce a more finely fibrillated, mineral free, microfibrillated cellulose. Trials were then carried out to determine the effect of sonication on mineral free microfibrillated ground product with and without a homogenization step. The data on these trials is reported in FIGS. 16A and B.

The data in FIGS. 16A and B indicate that it is possible to produce microfibrillated cellulose from mineral free grinder product (birch) using sonication and without a homogenization step. The FLT of microfibrillated cellulose subjected to a homogenization step is greater than 15 Nm/g. The trials reported in FIGS. 16A and B after sonicating the mineral free ground product up to about 1500 kWh/t produced a ground microfibrillated cellulose with FLT indices and d₅₀ particle sizes in the range of ground microfibrillated cellulose subjected to a homogenization step.

Additional Embodiments of the Invention

The Examples set forth above and the Embodiments set forth below are illustrative of the many embodiments of the invention disclosed herein by the inventors and are not intended to be limitations of the invention.

Embodiment 1

A method for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in an aqueous environment in the presence of an inorganic particulate material to produce an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, and further comprising subjecting the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material to sonication to produce the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties.

Embodiment 2

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the microfibrillating step comprises grinding the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in the presence of the inorganic particulate material in a grinding vessel.

Embodiment 3

The method according to embodiment 2, further comprising an initial step of grinding the inorganic particulate material in the absence of the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose to obtain an inorganic particulate material having a desired particle size.

Embodiment 4

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein said sonication is conducted with one or more devices selected from a group consisting of an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic water bath, an ultrasonic homogenizer, an ultrasonic foil and an ultrasonic horn.

Embodiment 5

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein said tensile strength of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 5% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material not subject to sonication.

Embodiment 6

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein said tensile strength of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 10% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material not subject to sonication.

Embodiment 7

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein said tensile strength of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 20% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material not subject to sonication.

Embodiment 8

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein said aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material is subject to sonication at an energy consumption of up to 1000 kWh per tonne (kWht⁻¹) of dried fibrils.

Embodiment 9

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein said aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material is subject to sonication at an energy consumption of up to 1500 kWh per tonne of dried fibrils.

Embodiment 10

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein said aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material is subject to sonication at an energy consumption of up to 2500 kWh per tonne of dried fibrils.

Embodiment 11

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein said sonication is run in continuous mode.

Embodiment 12

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein said sonication is run in pulse mode.

Embodiment 13

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein said aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material is formed into semi-dry product prior to sonication.

Embodiment 14

The method according to embodiment 13, wherein said semi-dry product is formed into a belt-pressed cake prior to sonication.

Embodiment 15

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein said viscosity of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 5% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material not subject to sonication.

Embodiment 16

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the sonication is performed at an amplitude of up to 60%.

Embodiment 17

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the sonication is performed at an amplitude of up to 80%.

Embodiment 18

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the sonication is performed at an amplitude of up to 100%.

Embodiment 19

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose is in the form of a pulp, for example, a chemical pulp, or a chemithermomechanical pulp, or a mechanical pulp, or a recycled pulp, or a paper broke pulp, or a papermill waste stream, or waste from a papermill, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 20

The method according embodiment 1, wherein the inorganic particulate material is an alkaline earth metal carbonate or sulphate, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, dolomite, gypsum, a hydrous kandite clay such as kaolin, halloysite or ball clay, an anhydrous (calcined) kandite clay such as metakaolin or fully calcined kaolin, talc, mica, perlite or diatomaceous earth, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 21

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the inorganic particulate material is an alkaline earth metal carbonate, for example, calcium carbonate.

Embodiment 22

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the inorganic particulate material is kaolin.

Embodiment 23

The method according to embodiment 2, wherein the grinding vessel is selected from the group consisting of a tower mill and a stirred media detritor.

Embodiment 24

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties obtained by the method is suitable for use in a method of making paper or coating paper, paints and coatings, inks, oilfield chemicals, composites, consumer products, cosmetic products, pharmacological products and food products.

Embodiment 25

The method according to embodiment 1, wherein said method further comprises one or more of high shear mixing, homogenization and refining either before or after the sonication step.

Embodiment 26

A method for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in an aqueous environment to produce an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose, and further comprising subjecting the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose to sonication to produce the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties.

Embodiment 27

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein said sonication is conducted with one or more devices selected from a group consisting of an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic water bath, an ultrasonic homogenizer, an ultrasonic foil and an ultrasonic horn.

Embodiment 28

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein said tensile strength of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 5% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose not subject to sonication.

Embodiment 29

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein said tensile strength of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 10% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose not subject to sonication.

Embodiment 30

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein said tensile strength of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 20% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose not subject to sonication.

Embodiment 31

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein said aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose is subject to sonication at an energy consumption of up to 1000 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils.

Embodiment 32

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein said aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose is subject to sonication at an energy consumption of up to 1500 kwh per tonne of dried fibrils.

Embodiment 33

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein said aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose is subject to sonication at an energy consumption of up to 2500 kWh per tonne of dried fibrils.

Embodiment 34

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein said sonication is run in continuous mode.

Embodiment 35

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein said sonication is run in pulse mode.

Embodiment 36

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein said aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose is formed into semi-dry product prior to sonication.

Embodiment 37

The method according to embodiment 36, wherein said semi-dry product is formed into a belt-pressed cake prior to sonication.

Embodiment 38

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein said viscosity of the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties is increased by at least 5% over the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose not subject to sonication.

Embodiment 39

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein the sonication is performed at an amplitude of up to 60%.

Embodiment 40

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein the sonication is performed at an amplitude of up to 80%.

Embodiment 41

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein the sonication is performed at an amplitude of up to 100%.

Embodiment 42

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein the fibrous substrate comprising cellulose is in the form of a pulp, for example, a chemical pulp, or a chemithermomechanical pulp, or a mechanical pulp, or a recycled pulp, or a paper broke pulp, or a papermill waste stream, or waste from a papermill, or combinations thereof.

Embodiment 43

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties obtained by the method is suitable for use in a method of making paper or coating paper, paints and coatings, inks, oilfield chemicals, composites, consumer products, cosmetic products, pharmacological products and food products.

Embodiment 44

The method according to embodiment 26, wherein said method further comprises one or more of high shear mixing, homogenization and refining either before or after the sonication step.

Embodiment 45

A method for re-dispersing dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) adding a quantity of a suitable dispersing liquid to a         closed tank, wherein the tank comprises an inlet and an outlet         connected to a pump comprising a first inlet and a first outlet,         and a flow cell comprising a second inlet and a second outlet,         and further comprising at least one sonication probe, thereby         forming a closed recirculation loop;     -   (b) adding a quantity of dewatered, partially dried or         essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose to the tank in         sufficient quantity to yield a liquid composition of         microfibrillated cellulose at a desired solids concentration;     -   wherein the liquid composition comprising microfibrillated         cellulose of step (b) is continuously recirculated through the         recirculation loop;     -   (c) applying ultrasonic energy of at least 200 kWh/t         intermittently or continuously by the sonotrode at a frequency         range of 20 to 100 Hz to the liquid composition of         microfibrillated cellulose,

thereby forming a re-dispersed suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with tensile strength and/or viscosity properties.

Embodiment 46

The method of embodiment 45, wherein the dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose composition further comprises at least one inorganic particulate material.

Embodiment 47

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the dispersing liquid is water.

Embodiment 48

The method of embodiment 47, wherein the ultrasonic energy input is from about 1,000 kWh/t to 10,000 kWh/t.

Embodiment 49

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the flow cell has a cooling jacket for maintaining a temperature of the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose in the range of about 1° C. to about 80° C.

Embodiment 50

The method of embodiment 49, wherein the temperature is room temperature.

Embodiment 51

The method of embodiment 49, wherein the temperature is 20° C.

Embodiment 52

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the flow cell comprises an adjustable valve at the second outlet to create back pressure of the recirculated liquid of from about 0 to about 10 bar.

Embodiment 53

The method of embodiment 52, wherein the pressure is 3 bar.

Embodiment 54

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the flow cell has one or more boosters to mechanically increase or decrease the amplitude of the at least one sonotrode.

Embodiment 55

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 0.5% to 5% fibre solids.

Embodiment 56

The method of embodiment 55, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 1.5% fibre solids.

Embodiment 57

The method of embodiment 55, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 1.8% fibre solids.

Embodiment 58

The method of embodiment 55, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 2.5% fibre solids.

Embodiment 59

The method of embodiment 45, wherein the microfibrillated cellulose is pelletized.

Embodiment 60

The method of embodiment 46, wherein the microfibrillated cellulose composition comprising inorganic particulate material is pelletized.

Embodiment 61

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the ultrasonic energy was applied for about 1 to about 120 minutes.

Embodiment 62

The method of embodiment 61, wherein the ultrasonic energy was applied for about 30 minutes.

Embodiment 63

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the recirculation loop further comprises a high shear mixer.

Embodiment 64

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose has an FLT index of 7.5 Nm/g or more.

Embodiment 65

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose has an FLT index of 8.0 Nm/g or more.

Embodiment 66

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose has an FLT index of 8.5 Nm/g or more.

Embodiment 67

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose has an FLT index of 10.0 Nm/g or more.

Embodiment 68

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the liquid composition comprising microfibrillation cellulose is recirculated for about 30 to about 120 minutes.

Embodiment 69

The method of embodiment 45 or 46, wherein the liquid composition comprising microfibrillation cellulose is recirculated for about 30 minutes.

Embodiment 70

A re-dispersed microfibrillated cellulose suspension produced by the process of embodiment 45 or 46. 

1-96. (canceled)
 97. A method for re-dispersing dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose, the method comprising the steps of: (a) adding a quantity of a suitable dispersing liquid to a tank having at least a first and a second inlet and an outlet, wherein the tank further comprises a mixer and a pump attached to the outlet; (b) adding a quantity of dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose to the tank through the first inlet in sufficient quantity to yield a liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose at a desired solids concentration of 0.5 to 5% fibre solids; (c) mixing the dispersing liquid and the dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose in the tank with the mixer to partially de-agglomerate and re-disperse the microfibrillated cellulose to form a flowable slurry; (d) pumping the flowable slurry with the pump to an inlet of a flow cell, wherein the flow cell comprises a recirculation loop and one or more sonication probe in series and at least a first and a second outlet, wherein the second outlet of the flow cell is connected to the second inlet of the tank, thereby providing for a continuous recirculation loop providing for the continuous application of ultrasonic energy to the slurry for a desired time period and/or total energy, wherein the flow cell comprises an adjustable valve at the second outlet to create back pressure of the recirculated slurry, further wherein the liquid composition comprising microfibrillated cellulose of step (c) is continuously recirculated through the recirculation loop at an operating pressure of 0 to 4 bar and at a temperature of 20° C. to 50° C.; (e) applying an ultrasonic energy input to the slurry of 200 to 10,000 kWh/t continuously by the sonication probe at a frequency range of 19 to 100 kHz and at an amplitude of up to 60%, up to 100% or up to 200% to the physical limitations of the sonicator used for 1 to 120 minutes; (f) collecting the re-dispersed suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced tensile strength and/or viscosity properties from the first outlet of the flow cell in a suitable holding vessel.
 98. The method of claim 97, wherein the dewatered, partially dried or essentially dried microfibrillated cellulose composition further comprises at least one inorganic particulate material.
 99. The method of claim 97, wherein the dispersing liquid is water.
 100. The method of claim 98, wherein the dispersing liquid is water.
 101. The method of claim 97, wherein the ultrasonic energy input is from about 1,000 kWh/t to about 2,000 kWh/t.
 102. The method of claim 98, wherein the ultrasonic energy input is from about 1,000 kWh/t to about 2,000 kWh/t.
 103. The method of claim 97, wherein the ultrasonic energy input is from about 200 kWh/t to about 400 kWh/t.
 104. The method of claim 98, wherein the ultrasonic energy input is from about 200 kWh/t to about 400 kWh/t.
 105. The method of claim 97, wherein the flow cell has a cooling jacket for maintaining a temperature of the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose in the range of about 20° C. to about 50° C.
 106. The method of claim 98, wherein the flow cell has a cooling jacket for maintaining a temperature of the suspension of microfibrillated cellulose in the range of about 20° C. to about 50° C.
 107. The method of claim 97, wherein the temperature is room temperature.
 108. The method of claim 98, wherein the temperature is room temperature.
 109. The method of claim 97, wherein the temperature is 20° C.
 110. The method of claim 98, wherein the temperature is 20° C.
 111. The method of claim 97, wherein the back pressure of the recirculated liquid is 3 bar.
 112. The method of claim 98, wherein the back pressure of the recirculated liquid is 3 bar.
 113. The method of claim 97, wherein the flow cell further comprises one or more boosters to mechanically increase or decrease the amplitude of the at least one sonication probe.
 114. The method of claim 98, wherein the flow cell further comprises one or more boosters to mechanically increase or decrease the amplitude of the at least one sonication probe.
 115. The method of claim 97, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 0.5% to about 1%.
 116. The method of claim 98, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 0.5% to about 1%.
 117. The method of claim 97, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 1.5% fibre solids.
 118. The method of claim 98, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 1.5% fibre solids.
 119. The method of claim 97, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 1.8% fibre solids.
 120. The method of claim 98, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 1.8% fibre solids.
 121. The method of claim 97, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 2.5% fibre solids.
 122. The method of claim 98, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 2.5% fibre solids.
 123. The method of claim 97, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 2.5% fibre solids.
 124. The method of claim 98, wherein the liquid composition of microfibrillated cellulose is about 2.5% fibre solids.
 125. The method of claim 97, wherein the microfibrillated cellulose is pelletized.
 126. The method of claim 98 wherein the microfibrillated cellulose composition comprising inorganic particulate material is pelletized.
 127. The method of claim 97, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied for about 30 minutes.
 128. The method of claim 98, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied for about 30 minutes.
 129. The method of claim 97, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a specified ultrasonic energy input is achieved greater than 200 kWh/t.
 130. The method of claim 98, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a specified ultrasonic energy input is achieved greater than 200 kWh/t.
 131. The method of claim 97, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a specified cumulative ultrasonic energy input greater than 400 kWh/t is achieved.
 132. The method of claim 98, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a specified cumulative energy input greater than 400 kWh/t is achieved.
 133. The method of claim 97, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a cumulative ultrasonic energy input of 500 kWh/t is achieved.
 134. The method of claim 98, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a cumulative ultrasonic energy input of 500 kWh/t is achieved.
 135. The method of claim 97, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a cumulative ultrasonic energy input of 1,000 kWh/t is achieved.
 136. The method of claim 98, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a cumulative ultrasonic energy input of 1,000 kWh/t is achieved.
 137. The method of claim 97, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a cumulative ultrasonic energy input of 1,500 kWh/t is achieved.
 138. The method of claim 98, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a 15 cumulative ultrasonic energy input of 1,500 kWh/t is achieved.
 139. The method of claim 97, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a cumulative ultrasonic energy input of 2,000 kWh/t is achieved.
 140. The method of claim 98, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a cumulative ultrasonic energy input of 2,000 kWh/t is achieved.
 141. The method of claim 99, wherein the ultrasonic energy is applied until a cumulative ultrasonic energy input of 2,500 kWh/t is achieved.
 142. The method of claim 97, wherein the recirculation loop further comprises a high shear mixer.
 143. The method of claim 98, wherein the recirculation loop further comprises a high shear mixer.
 144. The method of claim 97, wherein the liquid composition comprising microfibrillation cellulose is recirculated for about 30 to about 120 minutes.
 145. The method of claim 2, wherein the liquid composition comprising microfibrillation cellulose is recirculated for about 30 to about 120 minutes.
 146. The method of claim 144, wherein the liquid composition comprising microfibrillation cellulose is recirculated for about 30 minutes.
 147. The method of claim 145, wherein the liquid composition comprising microfibrillation cellulose is recirculated for about 30 minutes.
 148. The method of claim 97, wherein sonication is run in pulse mode.
 149. The method of claim 98, wherein sonication is run in pulse mode.
 150. The method of claim 98, wherein said partially dry product is formed 10 into a belt-pressed cake prior to sonication.
 151. The method of claim 98, wherein said partially dry product is formed 10 into a belt-pressed cake prior to sonication.
 152. The method of claim 97, wherein the microfibrillated cellulose may be prepared from chemical pulp, or a chemithermomechanical pulp, or a mechanical pulp, or a recycled pulp, or a paper broke pulp, or a papermill waste stream, or waste from a papermill, or combinations thereof.
 153. The method of claim 98, wherein the microfibrillated cellulose may be prepared from chemical pulp, or a chemithermomechanical pulp, or a mechanical pulp, or a recycled pulp, or a paper broke pulp, or a papermill waste stream, or waste from a papermill, or combinations thereof.
 154. The method of claim 98, wherein the inorganic particulate material is selected from the group consisting of: an alkaline earth metal carbonate or sulphate, a hydrous kandite clay, an anhydrous (calcined) kandite clay, talc, mica, perlite or diatomaceous earth, or combinations thereof.
 155. The method of claim 98, wherein the inorganic particulate material is selected from the group consisting of: calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, dolomite, gypsum, kaolin, halloysite, ball clay, metakaolin, fully calcined kaolin, or combinations thereof.
 156. The method of claim 98, wherein the inorganic particulate material is calcium carbonate.
 157. The method of claim 98, wherein the inorganic particulate material is kaolin.
 158. The method of claim 98, wherein the inorganic particulate material is a combination of calcium carbonate and kaolin.
 159. The method of claim 97, wherein the aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose with enhanced viscosity and tensile strength properties obtained by the method is suitable for use in a method of making paper or coating paper, paints and coatings, 